Article ID: 308034 - Last Review: November 1, 2006 - Revision: 2.4

Windows NT 4.0 Private Key Remains Stored in Memory

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This article was previously published under Q308034

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.

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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 (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
   ----------------------------------------------------
   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.

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