SQL6-D0-001600 - The Database Master Key encryption password must meet DOD password complexity requirements.

Information

Weak passwords may be easily guessed. When passwords are used to encrypt keys used for encryption of sensitive data, then the confidentiality of all data encrypted using that key is at risk.

NOTE: Nessus has provided the target output to assist in reviewing the benchmark to ensure target compliance.

Solution

Assign an encryption password to the Database Master Key that is a minimum of 15 characters with at least 1 upper-case character, 1 lower-case character, 1 special character, and 1 numeric character, and at least 8 characters changed from the previous password.

To change the Database Master Key encryption password:

USE [database name];
ALTER MASTER KEY REGENERATE WITH ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = '[new password]';

Note: The Database Master Key encryption method should not be changed until the effects are thoroughly reviewed. Changing the master key encryption causes all encryption using the Database Master Key to be decrypted and re-encrypted. This action should not be taken during a high-demand time. Please see the MS SQL Server documentation prior to re-encrypting the Database Master Key for detailed information.

See Also

https://dl.dod.cyber.mil/wp-content/uploads/stigs/zip/U_MS_SQL_Server_2016_Y24M10_STIG.zip

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION

References: 800-53|SC-28, CAT|II, CCI|CCI-001199, Rule-ID|SV-213911r961128_rule, STIG-ID|SQL6-D0-001600, STIG-Legacy|SV-93791, STIG-Legacy|V-79085, Vuln-ID|V-213911

Plugin: MS_SQLDB

Control ID: fab3d6daa3ef99a43ca04ae099baeb9c751c6ecc1e6f1aa074a69fd7475aa488