The Function That Sets the Computer Account In an Organizational Unit May Display a Password (276521)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
This article was previously published under Q276521

SYMPTOMS

While you trace the computer account-related network traffic of a domain, a user may be able to view a computer password in plain text.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the NetpCreateComputerObjectInOU function is used to create objects in an organizational unit. The function uses Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) to set the computer password without setting the encryption option before ldap_bind_s is called.

RESOLUTION

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem. This fix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Windows 2000 service pack that contains this hotfix.

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

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

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 typical support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The English-language version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later: 
   Date      Time    Size     File name
   ---------------------------------------
   4/5/2001  6:20AM  135,459  Netapi32.dll

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows NT 4.0 and Microsoft Windows 2000.

MORE INFORMATION

The fix for this problem has the NetpCreateComputerObjectInOU function not use LDAP to handle the password but to use the tested and proved SAM function, NetUserSetInfo.

This problem is fixed in Windows 2000 SP2. The binary is Netapi32.dll.

For additional information about how to install Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 hotfixes at the same time, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

249149 Installing Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Hotfixes

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/7/2005
Keywords:kbbug kbenv kbfix kbnetwork kbQFE kbWin2000PreSP2Fix KB276521
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