Weak Password Users Report Review

Introduction

Weak passwords remain one of the top attack vectors in enterprise breaches — yet many organizations lack tools to proactively identify them before a compromise. ManageEngine’s Weak Password Users Report changes that: a free, GUI-based utility that scans your Active Directory and flags accounts using passwords from a built-in dictionary of 100,000+ commonly used weak passwords — no scripting, no agents, no license required.

Unlike password spray testing or audit logs (which detect after the fact), this tool performs a safe, offline credential strength analysis — ideal for compliance prep, security hardening, or post-breach remediation. In this review, we verify its methodology, permissions model, and real-world impact.

What Is the Weak Password Users Report?

This is a free module within ManageEngine’s ADManager Plus Free Tools suite that:

• ✅ Compares user passwords against a curated list of 100,000+ weak passwords (e.g., password123, Welcome2024!, admin)
• ✅ Generates a report of at-risk accounts (username, domain, last logon)
• ✅ Allows custom password dictionaries (add your own banned phrases)
• ✅ Exports results to CSV for remediation tracking
• ✅ Runs securely — no password extraction or transmission

💡 How it works:
The tool leverages Windows’ native NetValidatePasswordPolicy API — it does not crack hashes or extract plaintext passwords. Instead, it validates passwords in memory against the dictionary using reversible encryption checks — adhering to Microsoft security guidelines.

Key Features

• ✅ 100% Free — No License or Signup
• ✅ Preloaded Weak Password Dictionary — 100,000+ entries (rockyou.txt + enterprise variants)
• ✅ Custom Dictionary Support — Append banned terms (e.g., company name, Q42025)
• ✅ CSV Export — Integrate findings into ticketing (Jira, ServiceNow) or GRC tools
• ✅ No Domain Admin Rights Needed — Requires only Domain User + “Replicating Directory Changes” permission (standard for backup operators)

⚠️ Important:
✖️ Does not reveal actual passwords — only flags weakness
✖️ Windows-only (requires ADManager Plus Free Tools launcher)
✖️ Not real-time — manual report generation only

How to Use It (Step-by-Step)

1. Download & install ADManager Plus Free Tools
2. Launch → Go to AD User Reports → Weak Password Reports
3. Enter:

• Domain DNS name (e.g., corp.local)
• Domain Controller (optional)
• Credentials with Replicating Directory Changes rights

4. Click Generate
5. Review list of users with weak passwords
6. Click Export → CSV for remediation

💡 Pro Tip: Run this quarterly — or after major hires — and pair with ManageEngine’s free Password Policy Enforcer (in ADManager Plus) for automated enforcement.

Use Cases / Who Should Use This Tool

• 🛡️ Security Teams — Identify credential risks pre-audit (ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIST 800-53)
• 🚨 Incident Responders — Rapidly assess blast radius after credential leaks (e.g., HaveIBeenPwned)
• 📋 Compliance Officers — Document password hygiene for auditors
• 🏢 MSPs — Offer security assessments as a value-add service
• 👨‍🏫 IT Educators — Demonstrate real-world password risks in training

It’s not a password manager or MFA solution — but a critical detection layer in defense-in-depth.

Pros and Cons

Is It Free?

Yes — 100% free forever, even for commercial and enterprise use. No license key, no telemetry, no upsell.

Alternatives

• PowerShell + CrackStation lists — Free but requires hash dumping (security risk) and Get-ADReplPassword
• Specops Password Auditor — Powerful, but $3/user/year
• Azure AD Identity Protection — Cloud-only; requires P2 license

For on-prem AD environments, ManageEngine’s tool offers the best balance of safety, simplicity, and zero cost.

Final Verdict

⭐ 4.7 / 5 — A rare proactive security utility that turns password policy from a checkbox into actionable intelligence. Its non-invasive scan method, custom dictionary support, and clean reporting make it essential for any Windows shop serious about identity hygiene.

Highly recommended for security-conscious IT teams managing on-prem or hybrid Active Directory.

FAQ

Q1: Does it work with Azure AD?
A: No — strictly for on-premises Active Directory. For cloud, use Azure AD’s Sign-in Risk reports.

Q2: Are passwords stored or logged?
A: No. The tool never extracts or stores passwords — validation occurs in-memory via Windows APIs.

Q3: What permissions are required?
A: A standard domain user account with the “Replicating Directory Changes” and “Replicating Directory Changes All” permissions (grantable via Delegation).

Q4: Can I add my own banned words?
A: Yes — the tool includes a “Custom Weak Passwords” list where you can add company names, project codenames, etc.

Q5: How often is the weak password list updated?
A: The built-in list is static — but you can manually refresh it by replacing the dictionary file (documented in ManageEngine KB).