Check ID:
Provider: Azure
Service:
Severity: MEDIUM
Categories:
Resource type:
monitor_alert_delete_sqlserver_frProvider: Azure
Service:
monitorSeverity: MEDIUM
Categories:
loggingResource type:
microsoft.insights/activitylogalertsWhat this check verifies
Azure Monitor Activity log alerts watch the admin operationMicrosoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/delete, indicating when an Azure SQL firewall rule is removed across a subscription.
Risk
Without alerting on firewall rule deletions, unexpected changes to SQL network allowlists can go unnoticed, causing availability loss for apps and masking unauthorized tampering. A compromised admin could remove rules to disrupt service, erode control integrity, and delay response.Recommendation
Create an activity log alert forMicrosoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/delete and route it via an action group for rapid triage.
Enforce least privilege and separation of duties on SQL admins, add alerts for related create/update operations, integrate with SIEM, and require change approval to strengthen defense in depth.
Remediation
- CLI
- Terraform
- Native IaC
- Dashboard steps
References
- https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/updates/classic-alerting-monitoring-retirement
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-in/azure/azure-monitor/alerts/alerts-create-activity-log-alert-rule?tabs=activity-log
- https://www.trendmicro.com/cloudoneconformity/knowledge-base/azure/ActivityLog/create-or-update-or-delete-sql-server-firewall-rule-alert.html#trendmicro
Where this check fires
This check runs on every scheduled scan against your Azure account. Findings appear at Cloud Security → Findings filterable byCheck ID = monitor_alert_delete_sqlserver_fr. To re-evaluate after a fix, hit Run now on the account’s schedule under Cloud Security → Schedules — the next scan re-checks this control and marks the finding fixed or keeps it persistent.
← Back to Azure checks