Ability to View Any User Account (101710)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
- Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
- Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
- Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
- Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
This article was previously published under Q101710
Much of what is in the user account database is necessarily viewable
by everyone. The list of user and group accounts, for example, are
necessary for the Windows NT permissions editor to work properly.
There is, however, quite a bit of information that could have been
hidden from users. Logon time restrictions, user full names, and logon
script paths are all examples of information that could be hidden from
users. In general, the information in these fields does not represent
a security risk.
Of the information associated with users, there was one contentious
field that is not protected. The User Comment field information has
been used by some previous products to store a call-back phone number
for people dialing into a system. Previously, this information was
protected so that only the user could see it. This is no longer the
case.
Finally, not all fields of the user are visible. The password
information cannot be read by anyone, even the user of the account.
This is necessary to protect the security of the system.
| Modification Type: | Minor | Last Reviewed: | 5/4/2005 |
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| Keywords: | KB101710 |
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