312-50V13 · Question #121
What is the algorithm used by LM for Windows2000 SAM?
The correct answer is B. DES. The Lan Manager (LM) hashing algorithm, used for password storage in Windows 2000 SAM files, employs the DES encryption standard.
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Options
- AMD4
- BDES
- CSHA
- DSSL
How the community answered
(63 responses)- A6% (4)
- B87% (55)
- C5% (3)
- D2% (1)
Why each option
The Lan Manager (LM) hashing algorithm, used for password storage in Windows 2000 SAM files, employs the DES encryption standard.
MD4 is the hashing algorithm used for NTLM hashes, which replaced LM hashes in later Windows versions.
The LM hash algorithm takes a user's password, converts it to uppercase, pads it to 14 characters if shorter, splits it into two 7-character halves, and then uses each half as a DES key to encrypt a fixed string, resulting in the final 16-byte (32-character hexadecimal) hash. This method is considered weak due to DES's age and the fixed string.
SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) is a family of cryptographic hash functions that are much stronger than DES and were not used for LM hashes.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol used for encrypting network communication, not a password hashing algorithm.
Concept tested: LM hash algorithm (DES)
Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2003/cc759524(v=ws.10)
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