Table of Contents
Does Microsoft Defender for Cloud Scan Open Source Databases for Vulnerabilities?
Prepare for AZ-500 exam by learning that Microsoft Defender for Cloud’s vulnerability assessment only supports Microsoft SQL Server on Azure VMs, not open source databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. Understand the limitations of the built-in vulnerability scanner.
Question
The VM vulnerability scanning feature in Security Center can also scan for vulnerabilities in open source databases on Azure VMs.
A. FALSE
B. TRUE
Answer
A. FALSE
Explanation
The correct answer is A. FALSE. The vulnerability assessment feature in Microsoft Defender for Cloud (formerly Security Center) is specifically limited to scanning Microsoft SQL Server instances running on Azure Virtual Machines and does not extend to open source databases.
Only Microsoft SQL on Azure VMs is available.
Supported Database Scanning
Microsoft Defender for Cloud’s vulnerability assessment capability for databases is narrowly focused on Microsoft’s own database technology:
- Microsoft SQL Server: The vulnerability scanner can detect security misconfigurations, missing patches, and other vulnerabilities in SQL Server instances deployed on Azure VMs. This includes both standalone SQL Server installations and SQL Server clusters.
- Assessment Scope: The scanner evaluates the SQL Server configuration against Microsoft security baselines, checks for proper authentication settings, encryption configurations, and identifies potential security gaps.
Limitations with Open Source Databases
Open source database systems are not supported by the built-in vulnerability assessment feature:
- MySQL: Popular open source relational database management system is not scanned by Defender for Cloud’s vulnerability assessment.
- PostgreSQL: Another widely used open source database system is not covered by the built-in scanner.
- MongoDB: The popular NoSQL document database is not supported for vulnerability scanning.
- Other Open Source Options: Database systems like MariaDB, Redis, Elasticsearch, and other open source data stores are not included in the vulnerability assessment scope.
Alternative Scanning Solutions
For organizations running open source databases on Azure VMs, alternative vulnerability scanning approaches are required:
- Third-party Security Tools: Organizations can deploy specialized database security tools from vendors that support open source databases.
- Custom Scripts: Security teams can develop custom vulnerability assessment scripts using database-specific security benchmarks like those from the Center for Internet Security (CIS).
- Qualys VMDR Integration: Microsoft Defender for Cloud integrates with Qualys Vulnerability Management, Detection and Response, which may provide broader database coverage through its comprehensive vulnerability database.
This limitation reflects Microsoft’s focus on providing deep integration and support for its own technology stack while relying on partner solutions or custom implementations for broader open source coverage.
Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate AZ-500 certification exam assessment practice question and answer (Q&A) dump including multiple choice questions (MCQ) and objective type questions, with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate AZ-500 exam and earn Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate AZ-500 certification.