> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/iac-security/iam/appsec-azure-149.md).

# Azure SQL on Virtual Machine (Linux) with basic authentication misconfiguration detected in code

## Rule Details

|                        |                                       |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID  | APPSEC\_AZURE\_149                    |
| Category - Subcategory | Public Exposure - Database Endpoints  |
| Provider               | AZURE                                 |
| Severity               | LOW                                   |
| Framework              | ARM, Bicep, Terraform, Terraform Plan |
| Mapped CSPM/KSPM Rule  | 187eec1a-b273-413d-90e4-91a3cfe3c71d  |

## Impact

Disabling password authentication for your Azure virtual machine (VM) can help improve the security of your VM. Password authentication allows users to access the VM using a password, rather than an Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) account or other form of authentication. By disabling password authentication, you can help prevent unauthorized access to your VM and protect it from potential security threats such as data breaches or unauthorized access. Instead, you should use more secure forms of authentication such as Azure AD, SSH keys, or multi-factor authentication.

## How to Fix

*Resource:* azurerm\_linux\_virtual\_machine\_scale\_set

* *Arguments:* disable\_password\_authenticatio \[source,go]

***

## resource "azurerm\_linux\_virtual\_machine\_scale\_set" "pass" { name = var.scaleset\_name resource\_group\_name = var.resource\_group.name location = var.resource\_group.location sku = var.sku instances = var.instance\_count admin\_username = var.admin\_username disable\_password\_authentication = true tags = { test = "Fail" } }


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