Setting up AD with a database

Setting up Active Directory (AD) to work with a database involves integrating AD for user authentication and authorization. This is commonly done to centralize identity management, streamline login processes, and enforce security policies across an organization’s IT infrastructure.

Prerequisites

1. Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS): Ensure that AD DS is installed and configured.
2. Database Management System (DBMS): This guide assumes the use of SQL Server, but the principles apply to other databases with minor adjustments.
3. Network Configuration: Proper network connectivity between the AD and the database server.

Steps to Integrate Active Directory with a Database

1. Prepare Active Directory

• Create Organizational Units (OUs): Organize users and groups within OUs for better management.

ADUC (Active Directory Users and Computers) > Right-click on domain > New > Organizational Unit

Create Users and Groups: Set up user accounts and groups that will be granted database access.

ADUC > Right-click on OU > New > User / Group

2. Configure SQL Server to Use Active Directory Authentication

• Create SQL Server Logins for AD Users/Groups:
• Assign Permissions:
• USE [YourDatabase];
• CREATE USER [YourDomain\YourUser] FOR LOGIN [YourDomain\YourUser];
• EXEC sp_addrolemember N'db_datareader', N'YourDomain\YourUser';

Register the Service Principal Name (SPN):

setspn -A MSSQLSvc/YourSQLServer:1433 YourDomain\SQLServiceAccount

setspn -A MSSQLSvc/YourSQLServer.YourDomain.com:1433 YourDomain\SQLServiceAccount

Enable SQL Server to Use Kerberos:

1. Ensure the SQL Server service is running under a domain account.
2. Verify the SPNs are correctly registered using setspn -L YourDomain\SQLServiceAccount.

4. Test the Configuration

• Connect to SQL Server Using an AD Account:
• Open SSMS.
• Choose Windows Authentication. Enter the AD user credentials and connect.
• Verify Permissions: Execute a simple query to verify that the permissions are correctly assigned.

SELECT * FROM YourDatabase.dbo.YourTable;

1. Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

• Assign Database Roles: Create database roles that group similar permissions and assign these roles to AD groups rather than individual users.

CREATE ROLE db_readwrite;

GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE ON SCHEMA::dbo TO db_readwrite;

EXEC sp_addrolemember N'db_readwrite', N'YourDomain\YourGroup';

2. Implement Least Privilege Principle

• Limit Permissions: Ensure that users and groups have only the permissions necessary to perform their job functions. Avoid granting excessive privileges that could be exploited.

3. Regularly Audit and Review Permissions

• Audit Logins and Permissions: Regularly review login attempts and permission changes to ensure compliance with security policies.

SELECT * FROM sys.server_principals WHERE type = 'S'; -- For SQL logins

SELECT * FROM sys.database_principals; -- For database users

4. Monitor and Enforce Password Policies

• AD Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies and ensure users comply with them through AD settings.

5. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Enhance Security: Implement MFA for AD accounts to add an extra layer of security beyond just passwords.