How To Crack ZIP & RAR Files With Hashcat

How To Crack ZIP & RAR Files With Hashcat

by HackerSploit · View the channel on PSI

Applied Sciences & Engineering Computing & Cybersecurity URComputer securityURHComputer fraud and hacking
🎙 HackerSploit 👥 1.0M 📅 February 2, 2022 ⏱ 13 min 👁 266K 📄 tutorial 🧭 2026-10-09
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

hashcatZIPRARpassword crackingJohn the Ripper

Summary

In this tutorial, HackerSploit demonstrates how to crack password-protected ZIP and RAR archives using Hashcat. The video starts by creating a simple ZIP archive and then extracting its hash with the zip2john utility from John the Ripper. After cleaning the hash file, the author runs Hashcat with the appropriate mode (13600 for WinZip) and a dictionary attack (rockyou.txt) to recover the password. The same process is repeated for a RAR archive, using rar2john and the mode 13000 for RAR5. The presenter also explains the syntax and key options of Hashcat, including hash types and attack modes, and highlights the advantages of Hashcat over John the Ripper in this context. The video ends with a call for feedback and a thank-you to Patreon supporters.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides a clear, step-by-step demonstration of a practical password-cracking technique. The argumentation is based on live execution and the presenter’s expertise in cybersecurity. It correctly points out that John the Ripper may fail with RAR5 hashes, whereas Hashcat handles them successfully. The explanation of Hashcat’s syntax and modes is concise and well-illustrated, though limited to a basic straight attack. The value lies in giving viewers a repeatable method for their own security assessments, but the lack of discussion on advanced attack types or countermeasures is a minor weakness.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The tutorial is scientifically sound in terms of demonstrating established tools and techniques. Sources referenced include the official Hashcat documentation and the John the Ripper utilities, which are reputable. The title accurately describes the content, and the presentation follows a logical sequence. The only deviation is that the video does not delve into the internal cracking algorithms, but it is not required for a tutorial. Links in the description are mostly social media and paid promotions; the two non-promotional links (Apple Podcasts and Spotify) refer to the author’s podcast, not directly to the content.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the tutorial’s objective, which is cracking ZIP and RAR archives using Hashcat.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The presenter is a known cybersecurity educator, the explanation is clear and technically accurate, and the process is demonstrated live. However, the content is quite basic and lacks advanced attack strategies.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The video provides a clear, practical alternative to John the Ripper for cracking ZIP and RAR archives, addressing a common issue with RAR5 hashes. It bridges a gap in previous tutorials by demonstrating the exact Hashcat commands needed for these formats.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Hashcat official documentation — Reference for all hash modes and attack types.
  • John the Ripper — The suite containing zip2john and rar2john utilities.
  • Password cracking (Wikipedia) — Background on attack methods and defensive considerations.
  • Source — More details on Hashcat usage and examples.

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Radar Profile

The profile shows a balanced performance with slightly lower scores in quantity and technical level, but high reliability. This indicates a solid, beginner-friendly tutorial that could be expanded with more advanced content.

Reliability 8/10

💬 Très positif. Sur les 30 commentaires analysés, la plupart expriment leur gratitude et leur intérêt pour d'autres tutoriels, certains posent des questions techniques sur les erreurs rencontrées.