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Hashcat Cheat Sheet ​

Overview ​

Hashcat is the world's fastest and most advanced password recovery tool, designed to leverage the computational power of modern CPUs and GPUs for high-performance password cracking and security auditing. Developed as a successor to traditional CPU-based password crackers, Hashcat revolutionizes password security testing by utilizing the parallel processing capabilities of graphics cards to achieve unprecedented cracking speeds. The tool supports over 300 hash algorithms and attack modes, making it the most comprehensive password recovery platform available for security professionals, penetration testers, and researchers conducting password policy assessments and security audits.

The core strength of Hashcat lies in its sophisticated GPU acceleration architecture, which can harness the power of multiple graphics cards simultaneously to perform billions of password candidate tests per second. This massive computational capability, combined with intelligent attack optimization algorithms, enables Hashcat to crack complex passwords that would be impractical to attack with traditional CPU-based tools. The platform supports all major GPU vendors including NVIDIA CUDA and AMD OpenCL, automatically optimizing performance for available hardware configurations and providing detailed performance metrics for capacity planning and attack optimization.

Hashcat's advanced feature set includes multiple attack modes ranging from dictionary attacks and rule-based transformations to sophisticated mask attacks and hybrid combinations. The tool's modular architecture supports custom rule development, distributed computing across multiple systems, and integration with external wordlist generators and preprocessing tools. With its comprehensive session management, detailed progress reporting, and extensive customization options, Hashcat provides both automated password auditing capabilities and fine-grained control for specialized security research applications. The platform's active development community and continuous optimization for emerging hardware architectures ensure it remains at the forefront of password security testing technology.

Installation ​

Ubuntu/Debian Installation ​

Installing Hashcat on Ubuntu/Debian systems:

bash
# Update system packages
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

# Install Hashcat from repositories
sudo apt install -y hashcat

# Install additional dependencies
sudo apt install -y opencl-headers ocl-icd-opencl-dev

# Install GPU drivers for optimal performance
# For NVIDIA GPUs:
sudo apt install -y nvidia-driver-470 nvidia-opencl-dev

# For AMD GPUs:
sudo apt install -y mesa-opencl-icd

# Verify installation
hashcat --version
hashcat --benchmark

# Install latest version from source
sudo apt install -y git build-essential
git clone https://github.com/hashcat/hashcat.git
cd hashcat
make
sudo make install

# Verify GPU detection
hashcat -I

CentOS/RHEL Installation ​

bash
# Install EPEL repository
sudo yum install -y epel-release

# Install development tools
sudo yum groupinstall -y "Development Tools"

# Install dependencies
sudo yum install -y opencl-headers ocl-icd-devel

# Install GPU drivers
# For NVIDIA:
sudo yum install -y nvidia-driver nvidia-opencl

# Build from source
git clone https://github.com/hashcat/hashcat.git
cd hashcat
make
sudo make install

# Verify installation
hashcat --version
hashcat -I

Windows Installation ​

bash
# Download pre-compiled binaries
# https://hashcat.net/hashcat/

# Extract to desired location
# Example: C:\hashcat

# Install GPU drivers
# NVIDIA: Download from nvidia.com
# AMD: Download from amd.com

# Add to PATH environment variable
# System Properties > Environment Variables
# Add C:\hashcat to PATH

# Verify installation
hashcat.exe --version
hashcat.exe -I

# Alternative: Install with Chocolatey
choco install hashcat

macOS Installation ​

bash
# Install using Homebrew
brew install hashcat

# Install GPU support (limited on macOS)
# Metal performance shaders for Apple Silicon

# Verify installation
hashcat --version
hashcat -I

# Build from source for latest features
brew install git
git clone https://github.com/hashcat/hashcat.git
cd hashcat
make
sudo make install

Docker Installation ​

Running Hashcat in Docker with GPU support:

bash
# Create Dockerfile for Hashcat
cat > Dockerfile.hashcat << 'EOF'
FROM nvidia/cuda:11.8-devel-ubuntu22.04

# Install dependencies
RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y \
    git \
    build-essential \
    opencl-headers \
    ocl-icd-opencl-dev \
    && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*

# Clone and build Hashcat
RUN git clone https://github.com/hashcat/hashcat.git /opt/hashcat
WORKDIR /opt/hashcat
RUN make && make install

# Create working directory
WORKDIR /work

# Set PATH
ENV PATH="/opt/hashcat:${PATH}"

CMD ["hashcat", "--help"]
EOF

# Build Docker image
docker build -f Dockerfile.hashcat -t hashcat-gpu .

# Run with GPU support (NVIDIA)
docker run --gpus all -it --rm \
    -v $(pwd):/work \
    hashcat-gpu hashcat --benchmark

# Run with specific GPU
docker run --gpus '"device=0"' -it --rm \
    -v $(pwd):/work \
    hashcat-gpu hashcat -I

Basic Usage ​

Hash Identification ​

Identifying hash types and formats:

bash
# List supported hash modes
hashcat --help | grep -A 500 "Hash modes"

# Common hash mode numbers
# 0     = MD5
# 100   = SHA1
# 1000  = NTLM
# 1400  = SHA256
# 1700  = SHA512
# 1800  = sha512crypt
# 3200  = bcrypt
# 7500  = Kerberos 5 AS-REQ Pre-Auth

# Identify hash automatically
hashcat --identify hash.txt

# Example hash formats
echo "5d41402abc4b2a76b9719d911017c592" > md5_hash.txt  # MD5
echo "aaf4c61ddcc5e8a2dabede0f3b482cd9aea9434d" > sha1_hash.txt  # SHA1
echo "admin:1000:aad3b435b51404eeaad3b435b51404ee:31d6cfe0d16ae931b73c59d7e0c089c0:::" > ntlm_hash.txt  # NTLM

# Verify hash format
hashcat -m 0 --identify md5_hash.txt
hashcat -m 100 --identify sha1_hash.txt
hashcat -m 1000 --identify ntlm_hash.txt

Basic Attacks ​

Performing basic password attacks:

bash
# Dictionary attack
hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt

# Dictionary attack with rules
hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt -r rules/best64.rule

# Brute force attack
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt ?a?a?a?a?a?a

# Mask attack (specific pattern)
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt ?u?l?l?l?l?d?d?d

# Combination attack
hashcat -m 0 -a 1 hash.txt wordlist1.txt wordlist2.txt

# Hybrid attack (wordlist + mask)
hashcat -m 0 -a 6 hash.txt wordlist.txt ?d?d?d

# Hybrid attack (mask + wordlist)
hashcat -m 0 -a 7 hash.txt ?d?d?d wordlist.txt

# Show cracked passwords
hashcat -m 0 hash.txt --show

# Resume session
hashcat --session=mysession --restore

# Attack with time limit
timeout 3600 hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt

Performance Optimization ​

Optimizing Hashcat performance:

bash
# Benchmark system performance
hashcat -b

# Benchmark specific hash mode
hashcat -b -m 1000

# Show device information
hashcat -I

# Use specific GPU devices
hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt -d 1,2

# Optimize workload
hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt -w 3

# Workload profiles:
# -w 1 = Low (desktop use)
# -w 2 = Default
# -w 3 = High (dedicated cracking)
# -w 4 = Nightmare (maximum performance)

# Optimize kernel loops
hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt -n 1024 -u 256

# Monitor temperature and performance
watch -n 1 'hashcat --status --machine-readable'

Advanced Features ​

Mask Attacks ​

Advanced mask-based attacks:

bash
# Character sets
# ?l = lowercase letters (a-z)
# ?u = uppercase letters (A-Z)
# ?d = digits (0-9)
# ?h = hex digits (0-9a-f)
# ?H = hex digits (0-9A-F)
# ?s = special characters
# ?a = all characters (?l?u?d?s)
# ?b = all bytes (0x00-0xff)

# Common password patterns
# 8-character mixed case with numbers
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt ?u?l?l?l?l?d?d?d

# Phone number pattern
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt ?d?d?d-?d?d?d-?d?d?d?d

# Date pattern (MMDDYYYY)
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt ?d?d?d?d?d?d?d?d

# Custom character set
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt -1 ?l?d ?1?1?1?1?1?1?1?1

# Multiple custom character sets
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt -1 ?l?u -2 ?d?s ?1?1?1?1?2?2

# Increment mode
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt --increment --increment-min=6 --increment-max=8 ?a?a?a?a?a?a?a?a

# Position-specific masks
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt ?u?l?l?l?l?l?d?d

# Mask file
cat > masks.txt << 'EOF'
?u?l?l?l?l?d?d
?u?l?l?l?l?d?d?d
?u?l?l?l?l?l?d?d
?l?l?l?l?d?d?d?d
EOF

hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt masks.txt

Rule-Based Attacks ​

Advanced rule-based transformations:

bash
# Built-in rule files
ls /usr/share/hashcat/rules/

# Common rule files
# best64.rule - Most effective 64 rules
# leetspeak.rule - Leet speak transformations
# rockyou-30000.rule - Rules based on RockYou analysis
# dive.rule - Comprehensive rule set

# Use specific rule file
hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt -r /usr/share/hashcat/rules/best64.rule

# Multiple rule files
hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt -r rules/best64.rule -r rules/leetspeak.rule

# Create custom rules
cat > custom.rule << 'EOF'
# Append numbers
$0 $1 $2 $3 $4 $5 $6 $7 $8 $9

# Prepend numbers
^0 ^1 ^2 ^3 ^4 ^5 ^6 ^7 ^8 ^9

# Capitalize first letter
c

# Toggle case
t

# Duplicate word
d

# Reverse word
r

# Leetspeak substitutions
sa@ se3 si1 so0 ss$

# Append common suffixes
$! $@ $# $$ $% $1 $2 $3

# Complex transformations
c $1 $2 $3
c $! $@
sa@ se3 si1 so0 $!
EOF

# Use custom rules
hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt -r custom.rule

# Generate rule statistics
hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt -r rules/best64.rule --debug-mode=1 --debug-file=debug.log

# Test rules without cracking
hashcat -a 0 --stdout wordlist.txt -r custom.rule | head -20

Session Management ​

Managing long-running sessions:

bash
# Start named session
hashcat --session=audit2023 -m 1000 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt

# Check session status
hashcat --session=audit2023 --status

# Restore session
hashcat --session=audit2023 --restore

# Remove session
hashcat --session=audit2023 --remove

# Session with checkpoint
hashcat --session=audit2023 -m 1000 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt --status-timer=60

# Quit session gracefully
# Press 'q' during execution or send SIGTERM

# Session configuration
cat > hashcat.conf << 'EOF'
# Status timer (seconds)
status-timer = 60

# Checkpoint interval (seconds)
checkpoint-disable = false

# Restore timer (seconds)
restore-timer = 60

# Quiet mode
quiet = false

# Force mode
force = false
EOF

# Use configuration file
hashcat --session=audit2023 --config=hashcat.conf -m 1000 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt

Distributed Cracking ​

Setting up distributed password cracking:

bash
# Split wordlist for distribution
split -l 1000000 rockyou.txt wordlist_part_

# Distribute across multiple machines
# Machine 1:
hashcat --session=node1 -m 1000 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist_part_aa

# Machine 2:
hashcat --session=node2 -m 1000 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist_part_ab

# Machine 3:
hashcat --session=node3 -m 1000 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist_part_ac

# Keyspace distribution for mask attacks
# Total keyspace calculation
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 --keyspace ?a?a?a?a?a?a

# Distribute keyspace
# Machine 1 (first quarter):
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt ?a?a?a?a?a?a --skip=0 --limit=1000000

# Machine 2 (second quarter):
hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt ?a?a?a?a?a?a --skip=1000000 --limit=1000000

# Automated distribution script
cat > distribute_hashcat.sh << 'EOF'
#!/bin/bash

HOSTS=("server1" "server2" "server3" "server4")
HASH_FILE="hashes.txt"
WORDLIST="rockyou.txt"
HASH_MODE="1000"

# Calculate total lines
TOTAL_LINES=$(wc -l < $WORDLIST)
LINES_PER_HOST=$((TOTAL_LINES / ${#HOSTS[@]}))

for i in "${!HOSTS[@]}"; do
    HOST="${HOSTS[$i]}"
    SKIP=$((i * LINES_PER_HOST))
    
    echo "Starting node $((i+1)) on $HOST"
    ssh $HOST "hashcat --session=node$((i+1)) -m $HASH_MODE -a 0 $HASH_FILE $WORDLIST --skip=$SKIP --limit=$LINES_PER_HOST" &
done

wait
echo "All nodes completed"
EOF

chmod +x distribute_hashcat.sh
./distribute_hashcat.sh

Automation Scripts ​

Comprehensive Password Audit Script ​

python
#!/usr/bin/env python3
# Comprehensive password audit using Hashcat

import subprocess
import os
import sys
import time
import json
import argparse
from datetime import datetime
import threading
import queue
import re

class HashcatAuditor:
    def __init__(self, hashcat_path="hashcat"):
        self.hashcat_path = hashcat_path
        self.results = {}
        self.sessions = {}
        
    def verify_hashcat_installation(self):
        """Verify Hashcat installation and GPU support"""
        try:
            result = subprocess.run([self.hashcat_path, "--version"], 
                                  capture_output=True, text=True)
            if result.returncode == 0:
                print(f"Hashcat version: {result.stdout.strip()}")
                
                # Check GPU devices
                gpu_result = subprocess.run([self.hashcat_path, "-I"], 
                                          capture_output=True, text=True)
                if gpu_result.returncode == 0:
                    print("GPU devices detected:")
                    print(gpu_result.stdout)
                    return True
                else:
                    print("Warning: No GPU devices detected")
                    return True
            else:
                print("Hashcat not found or not working")
                return False
        except Exception as e:
            print(f"Error checking Hashcat installation: {e}")
            return False
    
    def identify_hash_type(self, hash_file):
        """Identify hash types in file"""
        try:
            result = subprocess.run([self.hashcat_path, "--identify", hash_file], 
                                  capture_output=True, text=True)
            if result.returncode == 0:
                return self.parse_hash_identification(result.stdout)
            else:
                print(f"Hash identification failed: {result.stderr}")
                return {}
        except Exception as e:
            print(f"Error identifying hashes: {e}")
            return {}
    
    def parse_hash_identification(self, output):
        """Parse hash identification output"""
        hash_types = {}
        lines = output.strip().split('\n')
        
        for line in lines:
            if 'possible' in line.lower():
                # Parse hash type information
                parts = line.split()
                if len(parts) >= 3:
                    hash_mode = parts[0]
                    hash_name = ' '.join(parts[1:])
                    hash_types[hash_mode] = hash_name
        
        return hash_types
    
    def benchmark_performance(self):
        """Benchmark system performance"""
        try:
            result = subprocess.run([self.hashcat_path, "-b"], 
                                  capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=300)
            if result.returncode == 0:
                return self.parse_benchmark_results(result.stdout)
            else:
                print(f"Benchmark failed: {result.stderr}")
                return {}
        except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
            print("Benchmark timed out")
            return {}
        except Exception as e:
            print(f"Error running benchmark: {e}")
            return {}
    
    def parse_benchmark_results(self, output):
        """Parse benchmark results"""
        benchmarks = {}
        lines = output.strip().split('\n')
        
        for line in lines:
            if 'H/s' in line:
                # Parse benchmark line
                parts = line.split()
                if len(parts) >= 4:
                    hash_mode = parts[0]
                    speed = parts[-2]
                    unit = parts[-1]
                    benchmarks[hash_mode] = f"{speed} {unit}"
        
        return benchmarks
    
    def crack_passwords(self, hash_file, attack_config):
        """Crack passwords with specified configuration"""
        session_name = f"audit_{int(time.time())}"
        
        cmd = [self.hashcat_path, "--session", session_name]
        
        # Add hash mode
        if attack_config.get('mode'):
            cmd.extend(["-m", str(attack_config['mode'])])
        
        # Add attack type
        if attack_config.get('attack'):
            cmd.extend(["-a", str(attack_config['attack'])])
        
        # Add attack-specific parameters
        if attack_config.get('attack') == 0:  # Dictionary attack
            if attack_config.get('wordlist'):
                cmd.append(attack_config['wordlist'])
            if attack_config.get('rules'):
                cmd.extend(["-r", attack_config['rules']])
        elif attack_config.get('attack') == 3:  # Mask attack
            if attack_config.get('mask'):
                cmd.append(attack_config['mask'])
            if attack_config.get('increment'):
                cmd.append("--increment")
                if attack_config.get('increment_min'):
                    cmd.extend(["--increment-min", str(attack_config['increment_min'])])
                if attack_config.get('increment_max'):
                    cmd.extend(["--increment-max", str(attack_config['increment_max'])])
        
        # Add performance options
        if attack_config.get('workload'):
            cmd.extend(["-w", str(attack_config['workload'])])
        
        if attack_config.get('devices'):
            cmd.extend(["-d", attack_config['devices']])
        
        # Add hash file
        cmd.append(hash_file)
        
        print(f"Starting password cracking: {' '.join(cmd)}")
        
        try:
            # Start cracking process
            process = subprocess.Popen(cmd, stdout=subprocess.PIPE, 
                                     stderr=subprocess.PIPE, text=True)
            
            self.sessions[session_name] = {
                'process': process,
                'start_time': time.time(),
                'config': attack_config,
                'cmd': cmd
            }
            
            return session_name
        except Exception as e:
            print(f"Error starting crack: {e}")
            return None
    
    def monitor_session(self, session_name, timeout=None):
        """Monitor cracking session"""
        if session_name not in self.sessions:
            print(f"Session {session_name} not found")
            return None
        
        session = self.sessions[session_name]
        process = session['process']
        start_time = session['start_time']
        
        try:
            if timeout:
                stdout, stderr = process.communicate(timeout=timeout)
            else:
                stdout, stderr = process.communicate()
            
            end_time = time.time()
            duration = end_time - start_time
            
            result = {
                'session': session_name,
                'duration': duration,
                'returncode': process.returncode,
                'stdout': stdout,
                'stderr': stderr,
                'cmd': session['cmd']
            }
            
            return result
        except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
            print(f"Session {session_name} timed out")
            process.terminate()
            return None
        except Exception as e:
            print(f"Error monitoring session: {e}")
            return None
    
    def get_cracked_passwords(self, hash_file, hash_mode=None):
        """Retrieve cracked passwords"""
        cmd = [self.hashcat_path, "--show"]
        
        if hash_mode:
            cmd.extend(["-m", str(hash_mode)])
        
        cmd.append(hash_file)
        
        try:
            result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True)
            
            if result.returncode == 0:
                lines = result.stdout.strip().split('\n')
                cracked = []
                
                for line in lines:
                    if ':' in line and line.strip():
                        parts = line.split(':')
                        if len(parts) >= 2:
                            cracked.append({
                                'hash': parts[0],
                                'password': parts[1],
                                'full_line': line
                            })
                
                return cracked
            else:
                print(f"Error getting cracked passwords: {result.stderr}")
                return []
        except Exception as e:
            print(f"Error retrieving passwords: {e}")
            return []
    
    def analyze_password_strength(self, cracked_passwords):
        """Analyze password strength patterns"""
        analysis = {
            'total_cracked': len(cracked_passwords),
            'length_distribution': {},
            'character_analysis': {
                'lowercase_only': 0,
                'uppercase_only': 0,
                'digits_only': 0,
                'mixed_case': 0,
                'with_digits': 0,
                'with_symbols': 0,
                'alphanumeric': 0
            },
            'pattern_analysis': {
                'dictionary_words': 0,
                'keyboard_patterns': 0,
                'repeated_characters': 0,
                'sequential_patterns': 0
            },
            'complexity_score': 0,
            'weak_passwords': []
        }
        
        if not cracked_passwords:
            return analysis
        
        for entry in cracked_passwords:
            password = entry['password']
            length = len(password)
            
            # Length distribution
            if length not in analysis['length_distribution']:
                analysis['length_distribution'][length] = 0
            analysis['length_distribution'][length] += 1
            
            # Character analysis
            has_lower = bool(re.search(r'[a-z]', password))
            has_upper = bool(re.search(r'[A-Z]', password))
            has_digit = bool(re.search(r'[0-9]', password))
            has_symbol = bool(re.search(r'[^a-zA-Z0-9]', password))
            
            if password.islower():
                analysis['character_analysis']['lowercase_only'] += 1
            elif password.isupper():
                analysis['character_analysis']['uppercase_only'] += 1
            elif password.isdigit():
                analysis['character_analysis']['digits_only'] += 1
            elif has_lower and has_upper:
                analysis['character_analysis']['mixed_case'] += 1
            
            if has_digit:
                analysis['character_analysis']['with_digits'] += 1
            if has_symbol:
                analysis['character_analysis']['with_symbols'] += 1
            if password.isalnum():
                analysis['character_analysis']['alphanumeric'] += 1
            
            # Pattern analysis
            if re.search(r'(password|admin|user|test|guest|login)', password.lower()):
                analysis['pattern_analysis']['dictionary_words'] += 1
            
            if re.search(r'(qwerty|asdf|zxcv|1234|abcd)', password.lower()):
                analysis['pattern_analysis']['keyboard_patterns'] += 1
            
            if re.search(r'(.)\1{2,}', password):
                analysis['pattern_analysis']['repeated_characters'] += 1
            
            if re.search(r'(012|123|234|345|456|567|678|789|abc|bcd|cde)', password.lower()):
                analysis['pattern_analysis']['sequential_patterns'] += 1
            
            # Weakness assessment
            weakness_score = 0
            if length < 8:
                weakness_score += 3
            if password.lower() in ['password', '123456', 'admin', 'user', 'guest']:
                weakness_score += 5
            if password.isdigit() or password.islower() or password.isupper():
                weakness_score += 2
            if not has_symbol:
                weakness_score += 1
            
            if weakness_score >= 3:
                analysis['weak_passwords'].append({
                    'password': password,
                    'hash': entry['hash'],
                    'weakness_score': weakness_score
                })
        
        # Calculate overall complexity score
        total = len(cracked_passwords)
        if total > 0:
            complexity_factors = [
                (analysis['character_analysis']['mixed_case'] / total) * 20,
                (analysis['character_analysis']['with_symbols'] / total) * 30,
                (sum(1 for l in analysis['length_distribution'] if l >= 12) / total) * 25,
                (1 - (len(analysis['weak_passwords']) / total)) * 25
            ]
            analysis['complexity_score'] = sum(complexity_factors)
        
        return analysis
    
    def generate_comprehensive_report(self, audit_results, output_file="hashcat_audit_report.html"):
        """Generate comprehensive audit report"""
        html_content = f"""
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Hashcat Password Security Audit Report</title>
    <style>
        body {{ font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 20px; }}
        .section {{ margin: 20px 0; padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ddd; }}
        .critical {{ color: red; font-weight: bold; }}
        .warning {{ color: orange; font-weight: bold; }}
        .info {{ color: blue; }}
        .success {{ color: green; font-weight: bold; }}
        table {{ border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; }}
        th, td {{ border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left; }}
        th {{ background-color: #f2f2f2; }}
        .score {{ font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; }}
        .score.high {{ color: green; }}
        .score.medium {{ color: orange; }}
        .score.low {{ color: red; }}
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Hashcat Password Security Audit Report</h1>
    <p>Generated: {datetime.now().isoformat()}</p>
    <p>Hash File: {audit_results.get('hash_file', 'N/A')}</p>
    
    <div class="section">
        <h2>Executive Summary</h2>
        <ul>
            <li>Total Hashes Analyzed: {audit_results.get('total_hashes', 0)}</li>
            <li>Passwords Cracked: {audit_results.get('total_cracked', 0)}</li>
            <li>Crack Rate: {(audit_results.get('total_cracked', 0) / max(audit_results.get('total_hashes', 1), 1) * 100):.2f}%</li>
            <li>Weak Passwords: {len(audit_results.get('weak_passwords', []))}</li>
        </ul>
        
        <h3>Password Complexity Score</h3>
        <div class="score {self.get_score_class(audit_results.get('complexity_score', 0))}">
            {audit_results.get('complexity_score', 0):.1f}/100
        </div>
    </div>
    
    <div class="section">
        <h2 class="critical">Critical Findings</h2>
        <h3>Weak Passwords</h3>
        <table>
            <tr><th>Hash</th><th>Password</th><th>Weakness Score</th></tr>
"""
        
        for weak in audit_results.get('weak_passwords', [])[:20]:
            html_content += f"""
            <tr>
                <td>{weak['hash'][:20]}...</td>
                <td>{weak['password']}</td>
                <td>{weak['weakness_score']}</td>
            </tr>"""
        
        html_content += """
        </table>
    </div>
    
    <div class="section">
        <h2>Performance Analysis</h2>
        <table>
            <tr><th>Attack Method</th><th>Duration</th><th>Passwords Found</th><th>Rate</th></tr>
"""
        
        for session in audit_results.get('sessions', []):
            duration = session.get('duration', 0)
            passwords_found = session.get('passwords_found', 0)
            rate = passwords_found / duration if duration > 0 else 0
            
            html_content += f"""
            <tr>
                <td>{session.get('attack_method', 'Unknown')}</td>
                <td>{duration:.2f}s</td>
                <td>{passwords_found}</td>
                <td>{rate:.2f} p/s</td>
            </tr>"""
        
        html_content += """
        </table>
    </div>
    
    <div class="section">
        <h2>Recommendations</h2>
        <ul>
            <li>Implement minimum password length of 14 characters</li>
            <li>Require complex passwords with mixed case, numbers, and symbols</li>
            <li>Prohibit common dictionary words and keyboard patterns</li>
            <li>Implement password history to prevent reuse</li>
            <li>Enable multi-factor authentication</li>
            <li>Regular password audits and user training</li>
            <li>Consider passphrase-based authentication</li>
        </ul>
    </div>
</body>
</html>
"""
        
        with open(output_file, 'w') as f:
            f.write(html_content)
        
        print(f"Report generated: {output_file}")
        return output_file
    
    def get_score_class(self, score):
        """Get CSS class for complexity score"""
        if score >= 70:
            return "high"
        elif score >= 40:
            return "medium"
        else:
            return "low"
    
    def run_comprehensive_audit(self, hash_file, wordlists, output_dir="/tmp/hashcat_audit"):
        """Run comprehensive password audit"""
        print("Starting comprehensive Hashcat audit...")
        
        # Create output directory
        os.makedirs(output_dir, exist_ok=True)
        
        audit_results = {
            'start_time': time.time(),
            'hash_file': hash_file,
            'wordlists': wordlists,
            'sessions': [],
            'total_hashes': 0,
            'total_cracked': 0
        }
        
        # Identify hash types
        print("Identifying hash types...")
        hash_types = self.identify_hash_type(hash_file)
        audit_results['hash_types'] = hash_types
        
        # Count total hashes
        try:
            with open(hash_file, 'r') as f:
                audit_results['total_hashes'] = len(f.readlines())
        except Exception as e:
            print(f"Error reading hash file: {e}")
            return None
        
        # Determine best hash mode
        if hash_types:
            best_mode = list(hash_types.keys())[0]
            print(f"Using hash mode: {best_mode} ({hash_types[best_mode]})")
        else:
            best_mode = "0"  # Default to MD5
            print("Using default hash mode: MD5")
        
        # Run multiple attack strategies
        attack_configs = [
            {
                'name': 'Quick Dictionary',
                'mode': best_mode,
                'attack': 0,
                'wordlist': wordlists[0] if wordlists else '/usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt',
                'timeout': 1800  # 30 minutes
            },
            {
                'name': 'Dictionary with Rules',
                'mode': best_mode,
                'attack': 0,
                'wordlist': wordlists[0] if wordlists else '/usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt',
                'rules': '/usr/share/hashcat/rules/best64.rule',
                'timeout': 3600  # 1 hour
            },
            {
                'name': 'Mask Attack (8 chars)',
                'mode': best_mode,
                'attack': 3,
                'mask': '?a?a?a?a?a?a?a?a',
                'increment': True,
                'increment_min': 6,
                'increment_max': 8,
                'timeout': 1800  # 30 minutes
            }
        ]
        
        # Execute attacks
        for config in attack_configs:
            print(f"Running {config['name']} attack...")
            
            session_name = self.crack_passwords(hash_file, config)
            if session_name:
                result = self.monitor_session(session_name, config.get('timeout'))
                if result:
                    result['attack_method'] = config['name']
                    audit_results['sessions'].append(result)
        
        # Get final results
        cracked_passwords = self.get_cracked_passwords(hash_file, best_mode)
        audit_results['total_cracked'] = len(cracked_passwords)
        
        # Analyze password strength
        if cracked_passwords:
            strength_analysis = self.analyze_password_strength(cracked_passwords)
            audit_results.update(strength_analysis)
        
        # Generate report
        report_file = os.path.join(output_dir, "hashcat_audit_report.html")
        self.generate_comprehensive_report(audit_results, report_file)
        
        audit_results['end_time'] = time.time()
        audit_results['duration'] = audit_results['end_time'] - audit_results['start_time']
        
        print(f"Audit completed in {audit_results['duration']:.2f} seconds")
        print(f"Cracked {audit_results['total_cracked']} of {audit_results['total_hashes']} passwords")
        
        return audit_results

def main():
    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Hashcat Password Audit')
    parser.add_argument('--hash-file', required=True, help='Hash file to crack')
    parser.add_argument('--wordlists', nargs='+', help='Wordlist files')
    parser.add_argument('--hash-mode', help='Hash mode (auto-detect if not specified)')
    parser.add_argument('--output', default='/tmp/hashcat_audit', help='Output directory')
    parser.add_argument('--hashcat-path', default='hashcat', help='Path to Hashcat executable')
    
    args = parser.parse_args()
    
    # Initialize auditor
    auditor = HashcatAuditor(args.hashcat_path)
    
    # Verify installation
    if not auditor.verify_hashcat_installation():
        print("Hashcat not properly installed or configured")
        sys.exit(1)
    
    # Run audit
    results = auditor.run_comprehensive_audit(
        args.hash_file,
        args.wordlists or [],
        args.output
    )
    
    if results:
        print("Password audit completed successfully")
    else:
        print("Password audit failed")
        sys.exit(1)

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Integration Examples ​

CI/CD Integration ​

yaml
# Jenkins Pipeline for Hashcat Integration
pipeline {
    agent {
        label 'gpu-enabled'
    }
    
    environment {
        HASH_FILE = 'extracted_hashes.txt'
        WORDLIST = '/opt/wordlists/rockyou.txt'
        HASHCAT_PATH = '/usr/local/bin/hashcat'
    }
    
    stages {
        stage('Extract Hashes') {
            steps {
                script {
                    // Extract hashes from application
                    sh '''
                        # Extract user password hashes
                        python3 extract_hashes.py --output ${HASH_FILE}
                        
                        # Verify hash file
                        if [ ! -s ${HASH_FILE} ]; then
                            echo "No hashes extracted"
                            exit 1
                        fi
                        
                        echo "Extracted $(wc -l < ${HASH_FILE}) hashes"
                    '''
                }
            }
        }
        
        stage('Password Audit') {
            steps {
                script {
                    // Run Hashcat audit
                    sh '''
                        python3 hashcat_audit.py \
                            --hash-file ${HASH_FILE} \
                            --wordlists ${WORDLIST} \
                            --output ./hashcat-results \
                            --hashcat-path ${HASHCAT_PATH}
                    '''
                }
            }
        }
        
        stage('Process Results') {
            steps {
                // Archive results
                archiveArtifacts artifacts: 'hashcat-results/**/*', fingerprint: true
                
                // Publish report
                publishHTML([
                    allowMissing: false,
                    alwaysLinkToLastBuild: true,
                    keepAll: true,
                    reportDir: 'hashcat-results',
                    reportFiles: '*.html',
                    reportName: 'Hashcat Audit Report'
                ])
                
                // Check for weak passwords
                script {
                    def weakPasswords = sh(
                        script: "grep -c 'weakness_score.*[3-9]' hashcat-results/*.html || true",
                        returnStdout: true
                    ).trim()
                    
                    if (weakPasswords.toInteger() > 0) {
                        currentBuild.result = 'UNSTABLE'
                        echo "Found ${weakPasswords} weak passwords"
                    }
                }
            }
        }
    }
    
    post {
        always {
            // Clean up sensitive data
            sh 'rm -f ${HASH_FILE} hashcat-results/*.potfile'
        }
        
        failure {
            // Send notification
            emailext (
                subject: "Password Audit Failed: ${env.JOB_NAME} - ${env.BUILD_NUMBER}",
                body: "Password audit failed. Check console output for details.",
                to: "${env.SECURITY_TEAM_EMAIL}"
            )
        }
    }
}

Troubleshooting ​

Common Issues ​

GPU Detection Issues:

bash
# Check GPU drivers
nvidia-smi  # For NVIDIA
clinfo      # For OpenCL

# Verify Hashcat GPU detection
hashcat -I

# Install missing drivers
# NVIDIA:
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-470 nvidia-opencl-dev

# AMD:
sudo apt install mesa-opencl-icd

# Test GPU functionality
hashcat -b -m 0

Performance Issues:

bash
# Check system resources
nvidia-smi
htop
free -h

# Optimize workload
hashcat -w 3  # High workload
hashcat -w 4  # Nightmare mode

# Adjust kernel parameters
hashcat -n 1024 -u 256

# Monitor temperature
watch -n 1 nvidia-smi

Memory Issues:

bash
# Reduce memory usage
hashcat --segment-size=32

# Use smaller wordlists
head -1000000 rockyou.txt > small_wordlist.txt

# Split large hash files
split -l 1000 large_hashes.txt hash_part_

Performance Optimization ​

Optimizing Hashcat performance:

bash
# GPU Optimization
# Use all available GPUs
hashcat -d 1,2,3,4

# Optimize workload for GPU
hashcat -w 4  # Maximum performance

# Tune kernel parameters
hashcat -n 1024 -u 256

# Memory Optimization
hashcat --segment-size=1024

# CPU Optimization
# Disable CPU usage for GPU-only attacks
hashcat --opencl-device-types=2

# Benchmark optimization
hashcat -b -m 1000 --runtime=60

Security Considerations ​

Operational Security ​

Data Protection:

  • Encrypt hash files and cracked password databases
  • Implement secure data retention policies for audit results
  • Control access to password cracking tools and results
  • Secure transmission of hash files and audit reports
  • Regular cleanup of temporary files and session data

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

  • Only crack passwords you own or have explicit permission to test
  • Understand legal requirements for password security testing
  • Implement proper data handling procedures for sensitive information
  • Respect privacy and confidentiality of user credentials
  • Document password auditing activities for compliance purposes

Hardware Security ​

GPU Security:

  • Monitor GPU temperature and performance
  • Implement proper cooling for extended operations
  • Regular maintenance of GPU hardware
  • Secure physical access to cracking systems
  • Backup and recovery procedures for hardware failures

References ​

  1. Hashcat Official Documentation
  2. Hashcat GitHub Repository
  3. GPU Password Cracking
  4. Password Security Guidelines
  5. Hash Algorithm Reference