Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999 17:04:37 -0800 From: Ash To: BUGTRAQ@netspace.org Subject: Regarding passwords in registry keys. Considering the various threads running around about programs storing passwords temporarily in Windows registry entries I thought I would point out that registry keys are never deleted. The registry marks the key as 'unused' and leaves it in place, the entry never replaced or its space reclaimed. This is why the registry files are always growing. If you look in the O'Riely "Windows Annoyances" book you will find the procedures for exporting the registry to text the creating a new one from that exported file. Requires rebooting into dos and such, very messy. Last time I did this I saved about a meg. So, all those 'temporary' keys that hold these juicy bits are in fact left behind in the registry data files themselves for anyone with a hex editor to find. Could make for interesting mining I think. -- Ash "Love is a Journey, One Heart At a Time."