Guest user is an important concept in SQL Server that often raises questions regarding its status and default settings. In this blog post, we will explore the guest user and how to identify its status in SQL Server.

Default Settings for Guest User

By default, when SQL Server is installed, the guest user is disabled for security reasons. This is because if the guest user is not properly configured, it can create a major security issue. It is important to ensure that the guest user is enabled only when necessary and with appropriate configuration.

Identifying Guest User Status

There are multiple ways to identify the status of the guest user in SQL Server:

Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

In SSMS, you can expand the database node, navigate to Security, and then Users. If you see a red arrow pointing downward next to the guest user, it means that the guest user is disabled.

Using sys.sysusers

You can also use the following script to check the status of the guest user:

SELECT name, hasdbaccess
FROM sys.sysusers
WHERE name = 'guest'

If the value of the column “hasdbaccess” is 1, it means that the guest user is enabled and has access to the database.

Using sys.database_principals and sys.server_permissions

In SQL Server 2005 and later versions, you can use the following script to identify the guest user status:

SELECT name, permission_name, state_desc
FROM sys.database_principals dp
INNER JOIN sys.server_permissions sp ON dp.principal_id = sp.grantee_principal_id
WHERE name = 'guest' AND permission_name = 'CONNECT'

This script will display the name of the guest user, the permission name (which should be “CONNECT” for the guest user), and the state description.

Using sp_helprotect

Another method to check the permissions associated with the guest user is by running the following stored procedure:

sp_helprotect @username = 'guest'

This stored procedure will provide you with all the permissions associated with the guest user.

Disabling the Guest Account

To disable the guest account, you can use the following command:

REVOKE CONNECT FROM guest

It is important to note that the guest account cannot be disabled in the master and tempdb databases; it is always enabled. There may be specific scenarios where keeping the guest user enabled is necessary, and additional configuration will be required.

Understanding the guest user and its status in SQL Server is crucial for maintaining a secure database environment. By following the methods mentioned above, you can easily identify the status of the guest user and take appropriate actions to ensure the security of your SQL Server instance.

Special mention to Imran Mohammed for his assistance in addressing user queries related to the guest user.