Error Code 18488 in Azure SQL Database occurs when a user tries to connect, but their password has expired or needs to be changed due to security policies. This error requires the user to change their password before proceeding with any operations.

Summary Table

Background

Error Code 18488 typically occurs when a user’s password for Azure SQL Database has expired due to enforced password policies. This could happen due to either:

1. A set password expiration period (e.g., every 90 days).
2. Security settings that require the user to reset their password after a specific number of login attempts or inactivity.

Error Explanation

The error message for Error Code 18488 typically reads:

Error 18488: “Login failed for user ‘<username>’. Reason: The password of the account has expired.”

This indicates that access is restricted until the user changes their password.

Common Causes

1. Password Expiration Policies: Policies requiring users to change passwords periodically.
2. Security Configurations: Security settings that enforce password changes after specific conditions, like a set number of days or failed login attempts.

Steps to Troubleshoot and Resolve Error Code 18488

Step 1: Attempt to Log In and Change Password Prompted by Client Tool

• Purpose: Some SQL clients (e.g., SQL Server Management Studio or Azure Data Studio) prompt the user to change their password when encountering this error.
• Example (SQL Server Management Studio):
  • In SSMS, try logging in as usual.
  • When the error is triggered, you may see a prompt to update the password.
  • Enter the new password, confirm it, and log in again.

Step 2: Change the Password Using ALTER LOGIN (if permissions allow)

• Purpose: Use T-SQL to change the password if you have permissions and can access another account with appropriate privileges.
• Example Query:

ALTER LOGIN [username] WITH PASSWORD = 'NewStrongPassword' OLD_PASSWORD = 'CurrentPassword';

• Replace [username], NewStrongPassword, and CurrentPassword with the actual username, new password, and current password.

Step 3: Reset the Password via Azure Portal (if unable to log in)

• Purpose: If you can’t log in at all, use the Azure Portal to reset the SQL Server password for the user.
• Steps:
  1. Sign in to the Azure Portal.
  2. Go to SQL Databases and select the relevant database.
  3. Under Settings, select Set admin password.
  4. Enter a new password for the SQL admin account.
  5. Save the changes and try logging in with the new password.
• Note: This resets the password for the SQL Server admin account. You may need to adjust permissions if you’re trying to change the password for another account.

Step 4: Implement a Password Policy Reminder

• Purpose: Set reminders or policies to change passwords before expiration, reducing the chance of encountering this error in the future.
• Example (for organizational users):
  • Use tools like Azure AD to enforce password expiration alerts.
  • Enable reminders within SQL clients or as part of administrative policies.

Workarounds

1. Use Another Account: If you have another admin account, use it to reset the affected user’s password.
2. Enable Password Change Prompt: Some tools have settings to prompt for a password change before login failure.
3. Azure AD Integration: Integrate with Azure Active Directory for centralized password policies and management.

Solutions

1. Reset Password Using SQL Clients or Azure Portal: Ensure you can access and reset passwords either via the client (e.g., SSMS) or Azure Portal.
2. Set Up Password Expiration Alerts: Enable alerts or reminders for password changes as part of a proactive policy.
3. Centralized User Management with Azure AD: Use Azure AD for user management, especially for teams, to enforce uniform password policies and simplify resets.

Example Scenario

Suppose you encounter Error Code 18488 when logging in to Azure SQL Database because the password has expired.

1. Attempt to Login:
   • Use SQL Server Management Studio and try logging in as usual.
   • When prompted, follow instructions to set a new password.
2. Reset Password with Azure Portal (if login fails):
   • Go to SQL Databases in Azure Portal.
   • Use Set admin password under Settings to reset the password.
   • Reconnect with the updated password.

By following these steps, you can resolve Error Code 18488 and ensure continuous access to the Azure SQL Database.