DOCUMENT:Q308034 08-MAY-2002 [winnt] TITLE :Windows NT 4.0 Private Key Remains Stored in Memory PRODUCT :Microsoft Windows NT PROD/VER::4.0,4.0 SP1,4.0 SP2,4.0 SP3,4.0 SP4,4.0 SP5,4.0 SP6a OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS:kbWinNT400PreSP7Fix ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 4.0, 4.0 SP1, 4.0 SP2, 4.0 SP3, 4.0 SP4, 4.0 SP5, 4.0 SP6a - Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition versions 4.0, 4.0 SP4, 4.0 SP5, 4.0 SP6a - Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 4.0, 4.0 SP1, 4.0 SP2, 4.0 SP3, 4.0 SP4, 4.0 SP5, 4.0 SP6a ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SYMPTOMS ======== After the Protected Storage service accesses a user's private key, an unencrypted copy of the key remains in the computer's memory. This copy of the private key remains stored in random access memory (RAM) even when the user logs off the computer and another user logs on. In a highly secure environment, this may be a security vulnerability. RESOLUTION ========== A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem described in this article and should be applied only to systems 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 on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS NOTE: In special cases, charges that are normally incurred for support calls may be canceled, if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. Normal 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 ---------------------------------------------------- 21-Sep-2001 16:53 5.0.1878.10 67,856 Psbase.dll 21-Sep-2001 16:53 5.0.1878.10 67,856 Pstorec.dll 21-Sep-2001 16:53 5.0.1878.10 81,680 Pstores.exe NOTE: Due to file dependencies, this hotfix requires Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a. STATUS ====== Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT 4.0. MORE INFORMATION ================ For additional information about how to obtain Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Q152743 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack Additional query words: ====================================================================== Keywords : kbWinNT400PreSP7Fix Technology : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTW400sp5 kbWinNTW400sp4 kbWinNTW400sp3 kbWinNTW400sp2 kbWinNTW400sp1 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTSEntSearch kbWinNTSEnt400sp5 kbWinNTSEnt400sp4 kbWinNTSEnt400 kbWinNTS400sp6 kbWinNTS400sp5 kbWinNTS400sp4 kbWinNTS400sp3 kbWinNTS400sp2 kbWinNTS400sp1 kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 kbWinNTSEnt400SP6a kbWinNTW400SP6a Version : :4.0,4.0 SP1,4.0 SP2,4.0 SP3,4.0 SP4,4.0 SP5,4.0 SP6a Hardware : ALPHA x86 Issue type : kbbug Solution Type : kbfix ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 2002.