How to Extract Hashes from Encrypted Files
Learn how to extract cryptographic hashes from password-protected ZIP, RAR, 7z, PDF, and Office files using John the Ripper's extraction tools. This guide covers the tools and techniques used by professional password recovery services.
What is Hash Extraction?
Hash extraction is the process of retrieving the cryptographic hash (encrypted password data) from password-protected files. Instead of trying to crack the password directly on the file, password recovery tools like Hashcat and John the Ripper work with extracted hashes, which is much faster and more efficient.
Why Extract Hashes?
- Faster cracking: Hashes can be processed much faster than encrypted files
- Parallel processing: Multiple hashes can be cracked simultaneously on GPUs
- Offline cracking: You can crack hashes without access to the original file
- Portability: Hashes are small text files easy to share or store
Required Tools
Install John the Ripper (JtR) to get all hash extraction utilities
John the Ripper (JtR)
John the Ripper includes built-in hash extraction tools for various file formats. Download from https://www.openwall.com/john/
Hash Extraction by File Format
Step-by-step guides for extracting hashes from different encrypted file types
ZIP Archive
Extract hash from ZIP archives using zip2john. Supports ZIP files with traditional PKZIP encryption.
Command
zip2john archive.zip > zip_hash.txtExample Output
$zip2$*0*3*0*b5d9b4f0c0d5e5f6*3c0f*1*24*8*3*abc123*$/zip2$zip2john extracts the encryption hash from ZIP files. The hash includes salt and encrypted data.
Using Extracted Hashes with Hashcat
Once you've extracted a hash, you can use it with Hashcat or John the Ripper for password cracking. Here's how: