Pwdump Detailed Guide

Introduction to Pwdump

Pwdump is a tool used to extract password hashes from Windows systems. It targets the SAM (Security Account Manager) database where password hashes are stored.

Launching Pwdump

Ensure you have the necessary permissions and access to the target system. To run Pwdump, use the command:

pwdump <options>

Extracting Password Hashes

The basic command to extract hashes:

pwdump <system-file>

Example using the SAM file from a mounted drive:

pwdump C:\Windows\System32\config\SAM

Using with SAM and SYSTEM Files

If you have access to both SAM and SYSTEM files, you can extract hashes as follows:

pwdump -s <SYSTEM-file> <SAM-file>

Example:

pwdump -s SYSTEM -sam SAM

Output Formats

Pwdump provides output in several formats, including:

• LM hashes
• NTLM hashes

Specify the output format using options.

Cracking Password Hashes

After extracting hashes, use tools like Hashcat or John the Ripper to crack them. Example command for Hashcat:

hashcat -m 1000 <hash-file> <wordlist>

Using Pwdump on Remote Systems

For remote password extraction, ensure you have administrative access and network permissions. Use:

pwdump -r <remote-ip>

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter errors, ensure:

• You have administrative privileges.
• The target files are accessible.
• Correct paths are provided.

Getting Help

For additional options and usage details, refer to the official documentation or use:

pwdump -h