How to Check if xp_cmdshell is Enabled in SQL Server | Explained
In SQL Server, xp_cmdshell is a system extended stored procedure that allows you to execute operating system commands directly from SQL Server. While this can be a powerful feature, it also poses security risks if not managed properly.
Therefore, it’s crucial to know whether xp_cmdshell is enabled or not in your SQL Server instance. This article explains how to check the status of xp_cmdshell and how to enable or disable it if needed.
Checking the Status of xp_cmdshell
To determine whether xp_cmdshell is enabled, you can query the sys.configurations system view. Here is the SQL query to check its status:
-- Query to check if xp_cmdshell is enabled
SELECT name, value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'xp_cmdshell';Explanation
name
The name of the configuration option.
value_in_use
The current value of the configuration option (1 means enabled, 0 means disabled).
Example Output
name value_in_use
------------ ------------
xp_cmdshell 1
If value_in_use is 1, xp_cmdshell is enabled. If it is 0, xp_cmdshell is disabled.Enabling or Disabling xp_cmdshell
If you need to enable or disable xp_cmdshell, you can use the sp_configure system stored procedure. Remember that these changes require appropriate permissions and may need to be approved by your database administrator.
Enabling xp_cmdshell
To enable xp_cmdshell, follow these steps:
-- Allow advanced options to be changed
EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE;
-- Enable xp_cmdshell
EXEC sp_configure 'xp_cmdshell', 1;
RECONFIGURE;Disabling xp_cmdshell
To disable xp_cmdshell, use the following commands:
-- Allow advanced options to be changed
EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE;
-- Disable xp_cmdshell
EXEC sp_configure 'xp_cmdshell', 0;
RECONFIGURE;Frequently Asked Questions
Why is xp_cmdshell considered a security risk?
xp_cmdshell allows the execution of arbitrary operating system commands, which can be exploited by malicious users to gain control over the server or access sensitive data. Therefore, it should be enabled only when absolutely necessary and with appropriate security measures in place.
Can I enable xp_cmdshell without restarting SQL Server?
Yes, changes made using sp_configure and RECONFIGURE take effect immediately without needing to restart SQL Server.
Who can enable or disable xp_cmdshell?
Only users with the sysadmin fixed server role can enable or disable xp_cmdshell.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check the status of xp_cmdshell in SQL Server is important for maintaining the security and functionality of your database environment. By using the sys.configurations system view, you can easily determine if xp_cmdshell is enabled or disabled. Additionally, the sp_configure stored procedure allows you to manage the state of xp_cmdshell as needed. Always ensure that you follow best security practices when enabling potentially risky features like xp_cmdshell.
