CVE-1999-0585 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A Windows NT administrator account has the default name of Administrator.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2025
This vulnerability represents a fundamental security flaw in Microsoft Windows nt systems where the default administrator account is named Administrator. The issue stems from the default installation configuration that creates a highly privileged account with a predictable and well-known name. This default naming convention violates security best practices by providing attackers with an easily identifiable target for credential-based attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-798 as the use of hard-coded credentials, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.001 for valid accounts. The predictable nature of this account name makes it a prime target for brute force attacks, credential stuffing, and social engineering attempts. Attackers can leverage this default naming to systematically attempt logins using common password dictionaries, significantly increasing their chances of unauthorized access. The vulnerability exists at the account creation and system configuration level, representing a design flaw rather than an implementation bug. This default account name persists across multiple versions of windows nt and early windows 2000 systems, creating a widespread security risk. The operational impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as this account typically possesses full system privileges and can bypass many security controls. Security professionals can identify this vulnerability through system enumeration and account analysis tools, particularly when examining default accounts in system configurations. The risk is compounded by the fact that many organizations fail to change this default name during deployment, leaving systems exposed. This vulnerability directly relates to the principle of least privilege and proper account management as outlined in industry standards. Organizations should implement mandatory account naming conventions and regular security audits to identify and remediate such default configurations. The remediation process involves renaming the default administrator account to a non-standard name and implementing strong password policies. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure default configurations and the necessity of comprehensive security hardening procedures. The issue remains relevant in modern security contexts where default credentials continue to be a primary attack vector. Network security monitoring should specifically flag attempts to authenticate using the default administrator account name. System administrators must understand that default configurations often represent security weaknesses rather than security features. The vulnerability also highlights the need for security awareness training regarding default account management and the dangers of predictable naming schemes. Proper implementation of access control policies and regular security assessments can prevent exploitation of this well-documented weakness. This default account naming convention represents a classic example of how seemingly minor configuration decisions can create significant security vulnerabilities. The impact extends to compliance requirements and security frameworks that mandate proper account management and access control implementation. Organizations should treat this vulnerability as a baseline security issue requiring immediate attention and remediation. The default administrator account name serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive security measures rather than reactive fixes. Modern security architectures must incorporate robust account management policies to prevent exploitation of predictable default configurations. This vulnerability underscores the critical relationship between system configuration and overall security posture in enterprise environments. The widespread nature of this issue across multiple windows nt versions demonstrates how default security flaws can persist for extended periods without proper remediation. Security controls should specifically address default account identification and modification to prevent unauthorized access through predictable credential schemes. The vulnerability emphasizes the need for continuous security monitoring and regular configuration reviews to identify and eliminate default security weaknesses. This default account naming practice represents a fundamental breach of security design principles and requires immediate organizational action to correct.