Posture check · Account security
Account storing its password with reversible encryption (T1555)
The directory keeps a copy of the password that can be decrypted to plaintext. Checks enabled accounts only.
Why it matters
Anyone who reads the directory database gets the password itself, with nothing to crack.
How GraphnAI finds it
It runs after every sync, on each connected domain or tenant on its own. It applies to Active Directory.
It reads:
- The directory attributes
userAccountControlandaccountEnabled
Tiered Fidelity™ level: Theoretical
Every finding from this check carries the Theoretical level.
- TheoreticalThis checkConfigured in the directory. Nothing else checked.
- ConstrainedA constraint on it has been checked.
- ValidatedTelemetry has seen it in use.
How Select Fire™ fixes it
How to fix it
Clear reversible encryption on the account and reset its password so the reversible copy is discarded. Check the domain and any fine-grained password policies for the setting too.
What Select Fire changes
Select Fire opens from the finding and simulates each change on your live graph before anything changes in your directory.
- Stop storing a recoverable passwordSemi-Auto, or Full-Auto when an Admin allows this action and every Full-Auto check passes. Never on a Tier 0 or Tier 1 account.
The directory stops storing a recoverable copy from the next password change. The rare legacy app that needs that copy stops working.
- Require a password change For user accounts.Semi-Auto, or Full-Auto when an Admin allows this action and every Full-Auto check passes. Never on a Tier 0 or Tier 1 account.
The account must set a new password at its next logon. A service or scheduled task running as it fails until someone does.
Related checks
MITRE ATT&CK® technique names and MITRE D3FEND™ technique labels: © The MITRE Corporation. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of The MITRE Corporation. ATT&CK® is a registered trademark and D3FEND™ a trademark of The MITRE Corporation.
See it on your own directory.
The Public Preview is free for 30 days from your first sync, on your own server.