CVE-2004-0540

Microsoft Windows 2000, when running in a domain whose Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) is exactly 8 characters long, does not prevent users with expired…

published June 8, 2004

CVSS
—
EPSS
5%
Percentile
91.9
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A unique 8-character domain is the magic number here! Microsoft Windows 2000 allows users with expired passwords to log on, opening the door for potential mischief. 🎭 Think of it as a party where only guests with RSVP'd invitations can get in, but the bouncer is on a coffee break — expired invitations are being ignored! This flaw allows users to bypass password checks, kind of like letting someone into a concert without checking their ticket. The implications could be concerning. If a user with an expired password gains access, they could see sensitive data or make unauthorized changes. It's a potential recipe for chaos, from data leaks to unauthorized access, especially in sensitive environments.

Put simply

Think of it as a party where only guests with RSVP'd invitations can get in, but the bouncer is on a coffee break — expired invitations are being ignored! This flaw allows users to bypass password checks, kind of like letting someone into a concert without checking their ticket. This vulnerability exists because Windows 2000 does not enforce password expiration checks for users logging in on domains with an FQDN of exactly 8 characters. As a result, users with expired passwords can still authenticate and access the system.

What to do

The implications could be concerning. If a user with an expired password gains access, they could see sensitive data or make unauthorized changes. It's a potential recipe for chaos, from data leaks to unauthorized access, especially in sensitive environments. To mitigate this risk, check your domain name length and consider updating your Windows 2000 systems. Implement group policy settings to enforce stricter password policies. Regularly audit user accounts for expired passwords to prevent unauthorized access. You can handle this! With a few adjustments, you’ll tighten security and keep those virtual gates locked. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.04844 · 91.9th percentile
Published
2004-06-08T04:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 08 JUN 04:00Z
    Microsoft Windows 2000, when running in a domain whose Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) is exactly 8 characters long, does not prevent users with expired…
    cvelistv5