Microsoft AzureOverview
Enable connection_throttling on PostgreSQL Database Servers.
Rationale
Enabling connection_throttling helps the PostgreSQL Database to Set the verbosity of logged messages. This in turn generates query and error logs with respect to concurrent connections that could lead to a successful Denial of Service (DoS) attack by exhausting connection resources. A system can also fail or be degraded by an overload of legitimate users. Query and error logs can be used to identify, troubleshoot, and repair configuration errors and sub-optimal performance.
Remediation guidance
From Azure Console
- Go to
Azure Database for PostgreSQL servers - For each database, under
Settings, selectServer parameters - Search for
connection_throttlingand set its value toON - Click
Save
Using Azure Command Line Interface
Use the below command to update the configuration for connection_throttling.
az postgres server configuration set --resource-group <resourceGroupName> --server-name <serverName> --name connection_throttling --value on
Using PowerShell
Update-AzPostgreSqlConfiguration -ResourceGroupName <resourceGroupName> -ServerName <serverName> -Name connection_throttling -Value on
Default value
By default, connection_throttling is set to ON (enabled).
References
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/postgresql/singleserver/configurations/list-by-server
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/postgresql/howto-configure-server-parameters-using-portal
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security/benchmark/azure/security-controls-v3-logging-threat-detection#lt-4-enable-logging-for-azure-resources
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/az.postgresql/get-azpostgresqlconfiguration?view=azps-9.2.0#example-2-get-specified-postgresql-configuration-by-name
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/az.postgresql/update-azpostgresqlconfiguration?view=azps-9.2.0#example-1-update-postgresql-configuration-by-name
Multiple Remediation Paths
Azure
SERVICE-WIDE (RECOMMENDED when many resources are affected): Assign Azure Policy initiatives at management group/subscription scope and trigger remediation tasks.
az policy assignment create --name <assignment-name> --scope /subscriptions/<subscription-id> --policy-set-definition <initiative-id>
az policy remediation create --name <remediation-name> --policy-assignment <assignment-id>
ASSET-LEVEL: Apply the resource-specific remediation steps above to the listed non-compliant resources.
PREVENTIVE: Embed Azure Policy checks into landing zones and IaC workflows to block or auto-remediate drift.
References for Service-Wide Patterns
- Azure Policy overview: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/governance/policy/overview
- Azure Policy remediation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/governance/policy/how-to/remediate-resources
- Azure Policy initiative structure: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/governance/policy/concepts/initiative-definition-structure
Operational Rollout Workflow
Use this sequence to reduce risk and avoid repeated drift.
1. Contain at Service-Wide Scope First (Recommended)
- Azure: assign policy initiatives at management group/subscription scope and run remediation tasks.
az policy assignment create --name <assignment-name> --scope /subscriptions/<subscription-id> --policy-set-definition <initiative-id>
az policy remediation create --name <remediation-name> --policy-assignment <assignment-id>
2. Remediate Existing Affected Assets
- Execute the control-specific Console/CLI steps documented above for each flagged resource.
- Prioritize internet-exposed and production assets first.
3. Validate and Prevent Recurrence
- Re-scan after each remediation batch.
- Track exceptions with owner and expiry date.
- Add preventive checks in IaC/CI pipelines.
Query logic
These are the stored checks tied to this control.
Server parameter 'connection_throttling' is set to 'ON' for PostgreSQL Database Server
Connectors
Covered asset types
Expected check: eq []
{postgreSqlServers(where:{configurations_NONE:{name:"connection_throttling", value_MATCHES:"(?i)on"}}){...AssetFragment}}
