Memory Leak Occurs in the Lsass.exe Process on a Windows Server 2003-Based Domain Controller (829993)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition

SYMPTOMS

On a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based domain controller, the memory usage may continue to increase, and therefore, you may have to periodically restart the server. If you use System Monitor to view the Local Security Authority Service (Lsass.exe) process, you see that the memory usage for the Lsass.exe process continues to grow. (To monitor this process, see the Process\Private Bytes and the Process\Virtual Bytes performance counters.)

CAUSE

This problem occurs because of a memory leak that is associated with the Lsass.exe process. The rate of the leak depends on the number of groups and of group members that exist in the domain, and on the number of group-related queries.

RESOLUTION

Hotfix Information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows Server 2003 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart Requirement

You must restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix Replacement Information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File Information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in coordinated universal time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel. 
   Date         Time   Version      Size       File name   Platform
   -----------------------------------------------------------------
   01-Oct-2003  18:55  5.2.3790.89    463,872  Samsrv.dll  x86
   01-Oct-2003  18:55  5.2.3790.89  1,034,240  Samsrv.dll  IA-64

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section of this article.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/27/2005
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbQFE kbWinServ2003preSP1fix kbfix kbbug KB829993 kbAudITPRO
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