10 Fixes for PasswordNotRequired Showing on a Domain Controller

 The PasswordNotRequired attribute indicates that an account can exist without a password, a serious security vulnerability, especially on Domain Controllers (DCs). If domain controllers appear in your scans with this attribute set to $true, immediate action is needed to investigate, resolve, and prevent further risks. Here's a step-by-step guide with 10 actionable fixes to address the issue.

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1. Verify the PasswordNotRequired Attribute

How to Fix:

• Run the following PowerShell command to confirm affected accounts:

  powershell
  Get-ADUser -Filter {PasswordNotRequired -eq $true} -Properties PasswordNotRequired | Select-Object Name, DistinguishedName
  

  Cross-check results to ensure no false positives.

Proactive Fix:

• Periodically audit Active Directory (AD) for accounts with weak or missing password policies. Automate this with scripts or tools.

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2. Investigate Account Creation Logs

How to Fix:

• Check Event Viewer logs for events related to account creation or modification:
  • Event ID 4720: User account creation.
  • Event ID 4738: User account property changes.
• Look for actions performed by suspicious accounts or tools.

Proactive Fix:

• Enable logging for account management events in the Advanced Audit Policy Configuration to maintain historical records.

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3. Enforce Strong Password Policies via Group Policy

How to Fix:

• Update the Default Domain Policy:
  • Navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Password Policy.
  • Set policies for minimum password length, complexity requirements, and disable password not required.

Proactive Fix:

• Regularly review and test GPO settings to ensure they are enforced across all domain-joined systems.

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4. Remove the PasswordNotRequired Attribute

How to Fix:

• Use PowerShell to remove the attribute for affected accounts:

  powershell
  Get-ADUser -Filter {PasswordNotRequired -eq $true} | ForEach-Object {Set-ADUser $_ -PasswordNotRequired $false}
  

Proactive Fix:

• Implement a script to periodically scan for and clear this attribute from any accounts.

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5. Identify and Audit Privileged Accounts

How to Fix:

• Review all privileged accounts (e.g., Domain Admins, Enterprise Admins) to ensure no accounts have PasswordNotRequired set. Use PowerShell:

  powershell
  Get-ADGroupMember -Identity "Domain Admins" | ForEach-Object {Get-ADUser $_ -Properties PasswordNotRequired}
  

Proactive Fix:

• Enforce a tiered administrative model and minimize the number of privileged accounts.

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6. Detect Suspicious Scripts or Automation Tools

How to Fix:

• Check for scripts, third-party tools, or scheduled tasks that might be setting the PasswordNotRequired attribute intentionally or inadvertently.

Proactive Fix:

• Use Sysmon or a SIEM tool to monitor for registry changes and unusual account activity.

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7. Investigate Default Accounts and Policies

How to Fix:

• Review default accounts like krbtgt or service accounts for misconfigurations. These accounts should never have PasswordNotRequired enabled.

Proactive Fix:

• Restrict the creation of accounts with default or weak permissions.

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8. Apply Security Baselines

How to Fix:

• Implement Microsoft's security baselines for Active Directory and Windows Server. Use Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit to enforce best practices for account settings.

Proactive Fix:

• Regularly update and reapply security baselines as part of your patch management process.

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9. Restrict Delegation Permissions

How to Fix:

• Limit the ability of delegated administrators to create accounts with the PasswordNotRequired attribute by restricting permissions in Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC).

Proactive Fix:

• Periodically review delegation permissions and apply Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).

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10. Monitor and Alert on Attribute Changes

How to Fix:

• Use a monitoring tool like Azure AD Identity Protection, Netwrix, or your SIEM solution to track changes to sensitive attributes like PasswordNotRequired.
• Configure alerts for suspicious activity.

Proactive Fix:

• Automate daily scans with PowerShell and integrate results into dashboards for visibility.

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Risks and Considerations

• Account Vulnerabilities: Accounts with PasswordNotRequired can be easily exploited by attackers for lateral movement or privilege escalation.
• False Positives: Ensure the reported accounts genuinely have the attribute set before taking action.
• Default Account Sensitivity: Be cautious when modifying default accounts like krbtgt, as these are critical to domain operations.

By following these 10 fixes and implementing proactive measures, you can mitigate the risk of weak account security, strengthen your Active Directory, and ensure compliance with security best practices. Let me know if you need assistance with any of the steps!