# Hash Analysis & Cracking Tool Ecosystem This page provides an overview of **applications commonly used during authorized password security analysis**, including local cracking tools, distributed cracking platforms, and online services. All tools referenced here must be used **only** within the scope of approved security assessments, audits, research environments, or educational labs. --- ## Hash Suite ### Overview **Hash Suite** is a Windows-based password hash analysis and cracking application focused primarily on **Windows authentication hashes**. Instead of attempting to reverse hashes directly, Hash Suite follows the same process used by authentication systems: 1. Generate candidate passwords 2. Hash each candidate using the same algorithm 3. Compare results against stored hashes This approach is effective because: - Human-chosen passwords are rarely random - Many password hash functions (especially legacy Windows hashes) are fast to compute - Users tend to reuse common patterns and transformations --- ### Hashing Background (Windows Context) Windows does **not** store plaintext passwords. Instead, it stores cryptographic hash values derived from user passwords. Key properties: - Hash functions are **one-way** - Passwords cannot be mathematically “reversed” - Validation occurs by hashing the supplied password and comparing results As a result, password recovery relies on **guessing and comparison**, not decryption. --- ### Key Providers in Hash Suite Hash Suite generates candidate passwords using multiple **key-providers**, each optimized for different password behaviors. #### 1. Charset (Brute Force) - Tries all combinations of a defined character set - High computational cost - Most effective against short or highly constrained passwords #### 2. Wordlist - Uses predefined dictionaries - Extremely effective due to real-world password reuse - Low resource cost compared to brute force #### 3. Keyboard - Generates passwords based on adjacent keyboard keys - Models common typing patterns (e.g., `qwerty`, `asdf`) #### 4. Phrases - Combines multiple dictionary words into longer phrases - Targets passphrases and policy-driven length requirements #### 5. DB Info - Reuses usernames and previously cracked passwords - Effective when combined with transformation rules - Exploits organizational naming and reuse patterns #### 6. LM2NT - Automatically converts cracked LM hashes into NTLM equivalents - Exploits the structural weakness of legacy LM hashing --- ### Rules Engine Rules apply **predictable transformations** to base words, such as: - Capitalization - Appending numbers or symbols - Substitutions (`a → @`, `s → ) - Incrementing digits Rules dramatically increase effectiveness by modeling **human password modification behavior** rather than random guessing. --- ## HashView ### Overview **HashView** is a web-based dashboard designed to provide **visual insight into cracking activity**. Key characteristics: - Uses its **own internal database** - Can consume significant storage over time - Intended as a quality-of-life visualization layer - Typically run as a persistent server/agent pair Operational notes: - Should be launched within a `screen` or equivalent session - Requires manual restart after reboot - Best suited for ongoing analysis environments --- ## Distributed Cracking Platforms Distributed cracking systems allow workloads to be split across multiple hosts or GPUs, significantly reducing time-to-result. ### Common Platforms - **Hashtopolis** [https://github.com/s3inlc/hashtopolis](https://github.com/s3inlc/hashtopolis) Enterprise-grade distributed cracking management - **Hashstack** [https://sagitta.pw/software/](https://sagitta.pw/software/) Lightweight distributed hash cracking - **DistHC** [https://github.com/unix-ninja/disthc](https://github.com/unix-ninja/disthc) Distributed Hashcat controller - **CrackLord** [http://jmmcatee.github.io/cracklord/](http://jmmcatee.github.io/cracklord/) Centralized cracking orchestration - **Hashtopus** [http://hashtopus.org](http://hashtopus.org) Web-based Hashcat distribution platform - **HashView** [http://www.hashview.io](http://www.hashview.io) Web visualization layer - **Clortho** [https://github.com/ccdes/clortho](https://github.com/ccdes/clortho) Distributed cracking framework --- ## Online Hash Cracking Services Online services provide **convenience and speed** for common hash types but introduce trade-offs related to: - Data exposure - Limited transparency - Unknown datasets or techniques These services are typically used for: - Validation - Research comparison - Known weak hash types ### Notable Services - **CMD5** [https://www.cmd5.org](https://www.cmd5.org) - **Crack.sh** [https://crack.sh](https://crack.sh) Known for fast DES cracking - **GPUHash** [https://gpuhash.me](https://gpuhash.me) - **CrackStation** [https://crackstation.net](https://crackstation.net) - **OnlineHashCrack** [https://www.onlinehashcrack.com](https://www.onlinehashcrack.com) - **HashHunters** [http://www.hashhunters.net](http://www.hashhunters.net) - **Hash.Help** [https://hash.help](https://hash.help) --- ## Analytical Perspective No single tool provides full coverage. Effective password analysis typically combines: - Local cracking tools (control and transparency) - Distributed platforms (scale and speed) - Visualization dashboards (insight and reporting) - External services (benchmarking and validation) The value lies not in **recovering passwords**, but in: - Understanding failure modes - Measuring resistance - Identifying systemic weaknesses - Informing policy and defensive design [[Resources]] [[Home]]