Episode Overview

In this episode of Directory Insights in 10 Minutes, we’re exposing a dangerous yet overlooked Active Directory misconfiguration—PasswordNotRequired.

Most AD admins assume password policies protect all accounts. They don’t. This attribute allows accounts to override domain password policies, making them vulnerable to blank passwords and easy takeovers.

What is the "Password Not Required" Attribute?

• A hidden AD attribute that allows accounts to exist without a password.
• Bypasses domain password policies, including length, complexity, and history requirements.
• Affects privileged accounts, service accounts, trust accounts, and regular users.

Why is This a Risk?

• Attackers (or insiders) can reset the password to blank and gain instant access.
• Any account with this misconfiguration is an easy target for privilege escalation.
• Most AD admins don’t even know this setting exists—but attackers do.