Cache Expiration Does Not Free All Memory Associated with Expired Credentials (316683)

SYMPTOMS

Programs that use cryptographic functions that are provided by Schannel.dll may show a memory leak. A function that is typically used at the beginning of the sequence might be the AcquireCredentialsHandle function. Programs that make many Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connections rapidly may experience this leak. For example, Microsoft Exchange 5.5 Service Pack 4 (SP4) experiences this leak.

CAUSE

The problem is caused by the caching mechanism in Schannel.dll. Typically, credentials are cached for a while in case a client wants to try a reconnection. Reconnections are effectively a mini-SSL handshake, during which the client uses the session keys from a previous session.

This behavior occurs when you access Exchange over IMAP4 SSL port 993. Using IMAP4 port 143, which is not an SSL port, does not show the leak.

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.

To resolve this problem, 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 usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:

   Date         Time   Version         Size     File name
   --------------------------------------------------------
   09-Jul-2002  20:29  4.87.1964.1878  112,912  Sch128c.dll
   09-Jul-2002  20:29  4.86.1964.1878  143,632  Schnlc.dll

NOTE: Because of file dependencies, this hotfix requires Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a.

Cache Expiration Does Not Free All Memory Associated with Expired Credentials (316683)

SYMPTOMS

CAUSE

RESOLUTION

STATUS