CVE-2006-0363

CVE-2006-0363 is a low-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Msn Messenger with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

The "Remember my Password" feature in MSN Messenger 7.5 stores passwords in an encrypted format under the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\IdentityCRL\Creds registry key, which might allow local users to obtain the original passwords via a program that calls CryptUnprotectData, as demonstrated by the "MSN Password Recovery.exe" program. NOTE: it could be argued that local-only password recovery is inherently insecure because the decryption methods and keys must be stored somewhere on the local system, and are thus inherently accessible with varying degrees of effort. Perhaps this issue should not be included in CVE.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2006-0363?
The "Remember my Password" feature in MSN Messenger 7.5 stores passwords in an encrypted format under the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\IdentityCRL\Creds registry key, which might allow local users to obtain the original passwords via a program that calls CryptUnprotectData, as demonstrated by the "MSN Password Recovery.exe" program. NOTE: it could be argued that local-only password recovery is inherently insecure because the decryption methods and keys must be stored somewhere on the local system, and are thus inherently accessible with varying degrees of effort. Perhaps this issue should not be included in CVE.
How severe is CVE-2006-0363?
CVE-2006-0363 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1, rated low severity.
Is CVE-2006-0363 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2006-0363?
CVE-2006-0363 affects Microsoft Msn Messenger. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2006-0363?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2006-0363 published?
CVE-2006-0363 was published on 2006-01-22 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

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