Windows server Directory services Restore Mode Password Recovery
Configure Your Server Wizard sets a blank recovery mode password
When you use the Configure Your Server Wizard to promote the first domain controller in a forest, the password for Directory Service Restore mode is set to a null value. This may allow a malicious user to log on to a domain controller without proper authorization. In addition, when the Directory Service Restore mode password is set, the password for Recovery Console is automatically synchronized with that password. Therefore, computers that are affected by this vulnerability have a blank password for both Directory Service Restore mode and Recovery Console.
Note that there are some significant restrictions to this vulnerability:
- This problem affects only domain controllers. Computers that are not assigned as domain controllers do not have Directory Service Restore mode available.
- The Configure Your Server tool can only create the first domain controller in a forest, so only that computer may be at risk. All subsequent domain controllers must be created by using the Dcpromo.exe tool, which is not affected by the vulnerability.
- Domain controllers should be physically protected. There is no way to remotely exploit this vulnerability. If a computer has been properly physically secured, it is at minimal risk.
To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows 2000
After you have installed the latest Windows 2000 service pack, you can use the Setpwd.exe tool (located in the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder) to replace the null password with a strong password. To do this:
- At a command prompt, change to the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder.
- Type setpwd [/s:<servername>] , and then press ENTER. Note that adding the server name is optional. This parameter is used only when you change this specific password on a remote domain controller.
- You will then be prompted to "Please type the password for DS Restore Mode Administrator Account:". Type the new password that you would like to use. If you make a mistake, run setpwd again
NOTE:
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was first corrected in Windows 2000 Service Pack 2.
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