The SQL Server Replication Xps feature must be disabled unless specifically required and approved.

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-271292SRG-APP-000141-DB-000092SQLI-22-017900SV-271292r1111143_rule2025-05-301
Description
SQL Server is capable of providing a wide range of features and services. Some of the default features and services may not be necessary and enabling them could adversely affect the security of the system. Enabling the replication Xps opens a significant attack surface area that can be used by an attacker to gather information about the system and potentially abuse the privileges of SQL Server.
ℹ️ Check
To determine if [Replication Xps] is enabled, execute the following command: SELECT name, value, value_in_use FROM sys.configurations WHERE name = 'Replication Xps' If [value_in_use] is a [1], review the system documentation to determine whether the use of [Replication Xps] is approved. If it is not approved, this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Disable use of or remove any external application executable object definitions that are not approved. To disable the use of [Replication Xps] option, from the query prompt: EXEC SP_CONFIGURE 'show advanced options', 1; RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE; EXEC SP_CONFIGURE 'replication xps', 0; RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE; EXEC SP_CONFIGURE 'show advanced options', 0; RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE; GO RECONFIGURE; GO