allow updates to system tables

allow updates to system tables enables users with the system administrator role to make changes to the system tables and to create stored procedures that can modify system tables.

Summary Information

Default value

0 (off)

Valid values

0 (off), 1 (on)

Status

Dynamic

Display level

Comprehensive

Required role

System administrator

Configuration group

SQL Server Administration

A database administrator can update system tables in any tables that he or she owns if allow updates to system tables is enabled.

System tables include:

Stored procedures and triggers you create while allow updates to system tables is set on can update the system tables, even after the parameter has been set off. When you set allow updates to system tables to on, you create a “window of vulnerability,” a period of time during which users can alter system tables or create a stored procedure with which the system tables can be altered in the future.

Because the system tables are so critical, SAP suggests that you set this parameter to on only in highly controlled situations. To guarantee that no other users can access SAP ASE while the system tables can be directly updated, restart SAP ASE in single-user mode. For details, see startserver and dataserver in the Utility Guide.

Note: The server-wide configuration option allow updates to system tables takes precedence over the stored procedure settings for allow updates to system tables. If you do not enable allow updates to system tables at the server level, individual stored procedure settings determine whether you can modify system catalogs.