Resolving a System.Security.SecurityException with Custom Code in SSRS
When working with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), it is not uncommon to encounter various errors and exceptions. One particular exception that can cause frustration and confusion is the System.Security.SecurityException. This exception occurs when there is a security violation within the code being executed by SSRS. In this article, we will discuss how to resolve this exception when using custom code in SSRS.
What is a System.Security.SecurityException?
Before we dive into the solution, let's first understand what a System.Security.SecurityException is. This exception is a security violation that is thrown when an action is attempted that is not permitted by the security policy. In SSRS, this can occur when custom code is being used to perform tasks such as accessing external resources or modifying report parameters. The security policy in SSRS is designed to protect the server from malicious or unauthorized code, and any violation of this policy will result in a System.Security.SecurityException being thrown.
Resolving the Exception with Custom Code in SSRS
To resolve this exception, there are a few steps that need to be taken. First, we need to identify the code that is causing the exception. This can be done by enabling verbose logging in SSRS. Once enabled, the log will provide details about the exception, including the line of code that is causing the security violation.
Once the code has been identified, we need to determine if it is necessary for the report to function properly. If it is not necessary, then the code can be removed, and the report should run without any issues. However, if the code is essential, then we need to modify it to comply with the security policy.
One way to modify the code is by using the Code Access Security (CAS) policy in SSRS. CAS allows you to specify which operations are allowed for custom code. By default, all operations are denied, so we need to explicitly allow the necessary operations for our code to function correctly. This can be done by creating a custom CAS policy file and deploying it to the SSRS server. The policy file can be created using the Code Access Security Policy Tool (caspol.exe) provided by Microsoft.
Another option is to use the SSRS sandboxing feature. This feature allows you to run custom code in a secure, isolated environment. To use this feature, you need to enable it in the report properties and specify the assemblies that contain the custom code. This will ensure that the code is executed in a trusted environment, and the security policy will not be violated.
It is also important to note that using custom code in SSRS is not always necessary. Many tasks can be achieved using built-in functions and expressions. It is recommended to use custom code only when there is no other option.
In addition to modifying the code, it is essential to follow best practices for writing secure code. This includes validating input, using parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, and not hard-coding sensitive information such as connection strings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a System.Security.SecurityException can be a frustrating roadblock when working with custom code in SSRS. However, with the right approach, it can be resolved and prevented in the future. By identifying the code causing the exception, modifying it to comply with the security policy, and following secure coding practices, you can ensure that your reports run smoothly and securely. Remember, always use custom code as a last resort and consider alternative methods before resorting to it.
