Fix for Exposed Passwords in Compressed Files

Windows Millennium Edition (Me) and Plus! 98 provide a data compression feature that provides the ability to password protect a compressed file. However, under certain conditions, the password may be recorded in a file on your computer.

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 that are determined to be at risk of attack. Please evaluate your computer's physical accessibility, network, and Internet connectivity, and other factors to determine the degree of risk to your computer. Please see the associated Microsoft Security Bulletin (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS01-019.mspx) to help make this determination. This fix may receive additional testing at a later time, to further ensure product quality. If your computer is sufficiently at risk, Microsoft recommends that you apply this fix now.

To resolve this problem immediately, download the fix as instructed below or 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:

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 following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

Windows Me: Plus! 98: For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help to prevent any unauthorized changes to the file. The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:

Microsoft has confirmed that this problem may cause a degree of security vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition and Plus! 98.

Although the storage of passwords on the computer is a security vulnerability, note that the password protection feature is not intended to provide strong security. This feature is only intended to protect the contents of the file against casual inspection.

Also, note that the password protection feature is not intended to act as an access control mechanism. It is provided solely for compatibility with third-party product's password mechanisms. Even after you apply this patch, the password protection feature only provides protection against casual scrutiny. If you need strong security, including strong access controls, you should consider using Microsoft Windows NT or Microsoft Windows 2000.

For more information about this vulnerability, please see the following Microsoft Web site: For additional information about Windows Me hotfixes, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: For additional information about Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition hotfixes, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: