xp_cmdshell is a very powerful procedure that allows you to execute commands via the command-line (cmd) in SQL Server. With cmdshell, you can perform various operations on a Windows server through the SQL platform, such as copying files, creating, deleting, running bcp for data import and export, and more.
However, there are significant security risks associated with using it. Therefore, this procedure is disabled by default, and it is not recommended to enable it permanently for security reasons. Users with execute permissions for this procedure can perform any operation on the server. If you intend to use cmdshell, it’s essential to have a strict security policy in place.
How to Enable cmdshell?
Procedure:
- Enable the change of advanced server options (
show advanced options). - Reconfigure step 1.
- Enable the
xp_cmdshellfeature. - Reconfigure step 3.
Script:
— 1)
EXEC sp_configure ‘show advanced options’, 1
GO
— 2)
RECONFIGURE
GO
— 3)
EXEC sp_configure ‘xp_cmdshell’, 1
GO
— 4)
RECONFIGURE
GO