Ever Tried to Recover your Excel sheet Password?

I was considering a Python script that extracts hashes from protected Excel sheets and converts them to the Hashcat format. This would save you some time when attempting to crack the hashes (essentially guessing the true hash).

AL Najafi

3/29/20242 min read

ExcelHashExtractor My Github ====>

Are you frequently grappling with the complexities of Excel file security, particularly when dealing with sheet protection data? Our latest tool, ExcelHashExtractor, promises to be a game-changer in simplifying this task. Designed for both novices and experts alike, this Python script efficiently navigates through the intricacies of Excel file formats, extracting crucial sheet protection data with ease.

What is ExcelHashExtractor?

ExcelHashExtractor is a Python script tailored to dissect .xlsx files and retrieve sheet protection data embedded within. Its prowess lies in its ability to delve into the structure of Excel files, which are essentially zipped collections of XML sheets, to unearth and convert the protection data into a more digestible format. This conversion is pivotal for various security analysis tasks, including password recovery and integrity checks.

Key Features

  • Ease of Use: With ExcelHashExtractor, simplicity is key. The script is designed to be user-friendly, allowing users to select the Excel files they wish to process through a straightforward command-line interface.

  • Efficient Extraction: Leveraging Python’s zipfile and xml.etree.ElementTree libraries, it adeptly navigates the Excel file structure, focusing on the xl/worksheets/ directory to locate sheet protection data.

  • Data Conversion: A standout feature is its capability to transform the extracted data into a standardized format conducive to further analysis. This is especially beneficial for those involved in security research or password recovery efforts.

  • Adaptability: The script operates on a local directory, making it adaptable for batch processing or integration into larger workflows.

How It Works

  1. Directory Scanning: Initially, the script scans a specified directory for .xlsx files, presenting them to the user for selection.

  2. Extraction Process: Upon selection, it unzips the Excel files, parsing through the XML structure to locate and extract sheet protection data.

  3. Data Conversion and Output: Extracted data is then converted into a standardized format and saved in a designated output directory for each processed file.

Practical Applications

  • Security Analysis: ExcelHashExtractor is invaluable for security professionals and auditors who require insight into the protection mechanisms of Excel sheets.

  • Password Recovery: It aids in password recovery processes by providing essential data needed to break sheet protection.

  • Data Management: For administrators and IT professionals, it simplifies managing and auditing the security settings of Excel files within an organization.

Getting Started

To utilize ExcelHashExtractor, you'll need Python installed on your system. After downloading the script, run it in your command line, and follow the on-screen prompts to select and process your Excel files. The script's intuitive design ensures a seamless experience, even for users with minimal technical background.

Conclusion

ExcelHashExtractor demystifies the complexity of Excel sheet protection, providing a powerful tool for security analysis, data management, and beyond. Its simplicity, coupled with its potent functionality, makes it an indispensable asset for anyone dealing with Excel file security. Try it out today and unlock the full potential of your Excel files with unparalleled ease.

Feel free to share your experiences, suggestions, or queries in the comments section below or reach out to us through our contact page. Your feedback drives our continuous improvement and innovation.