| | Common Algorithms | Common Locations | | :----------------------- | :------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Enterprise (VRP5) | MD5 , HMAC-MD5 , AES-128-CBC | Configuration files (.cfg, .zip) for AR routers, S-series switches, USG firewalls. | | Enterprise (VRP8+) | HMAC-SHA256 , AES-256-GCM | Configuration files, leveraging hardware TRNG for key generation and TPM for enhanced security. | | Consumer/Home Router | MD5 + SHA256 (chained) , DES | Web interface password fields, hw_ctree.xml (modem config), config.bin files, $1 and $2 prefixed strings. |
Indicated by the cipher keyword. Historically, this used weaker, reversible encryption algorithms (like standard DES or custom 3DES variants) to mask passwords. If an administrator types password cipher , VRP encrypts it.
Always opt for irreversible-cipher for local users.
These devices use a hardcoded key. Researchers have successfully reversed this method, identifying that the configuration strings (often prefixed with identifiers like ) can be decrypted back to plain text. Decryption Tools: Various open-source Python scripts, such as huaweiDecrypt.py
Never use these techniques to break into a Huawei device you do not own. decrypt huawei password cipher
: Ensure your user accounts are configured using the irreversible-cipher keyword instead of the standard cipher keyword where supported. For example:
To successfully decrypt a Huawei password cipher, you need:
, the exact key differs slightly between:
Select the menu option to Clear Console Password or Ignore Configuration File for Boot . | | Common Algorithms | Common Locations |
If you manage Huawei devices, understand that reversible ciphers ( %^%# ) are against an attacker who extracts the device firmware key. To maximize security:
Network administrators often face a common hurdle when auditing legacy systems or recovering lost credentials: encountering encrypted password strings in Huawei configuration files. These strings, typically prefixed with symbols like $1a$ or $1c$ , are stored as ciphertext to prevent unauthorized viewing.
: Ideal for admins who inherit a network but lack the documentation for local user passwords or SNMP strings. Audit Tool
Connect a serial console cable to the Huawei switch or router. | Indicated by the cipher keyword
To decrypt the Huawei password cipher, we need to identify the encryption parameters, including the password-based key, device-specific key, and salt value. We propose the following decryption method:
On some enterprise nodes, the /usr/local/seccomponent/bin/CryptoAPI command can be used to decrypt ciphertext if you have root access.
But this is not "decryption"—it's password cracking.
<Huawei> system-view [Huawei] display password cipher your-cipher-string-here