You cannot run a password cracker directly on an Excel file. You must extract its cryptographic hash using John the Ripper's tools (often found on GitHub as matrix2john or office2john ). python office2john.py protected_file.xlsx > excel_hash.txt Use code with caution.
You extract the cryptographic hash from the Excel file using a script called office2john.py , then deploy Hashcat to run a dictionary or brute-force attack against that hash. 2. John the Ripper
If you need to remove from an Excel file you own, start with an XML‑based removal tool. SakibAhmedShuva/Excel‑Sheet‑Password‑Remover is comprehensive and well‑documented. For a portable Windows executable with zero installation, jimbrig/ExcelUnlocker is ideal.
While GitHub tools are highly effective, you must keep safety and legality in mind: Excel Password Remover Github
Over the past several years, open-source tools for removing Excel passwords have exploded in popularity. From simple Python scripts that strip away protection in seconds to sophisticated C# applications that handle VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macros, GitHub has become the go‑to destination for anyone needing to regain access to their own Excel files.
Users who don't want to install software or run Python scripts. Approach: Modifies sheetX.xml files. GitHub Status: Active development. B. petemc89/craXcel
: A portable C# application that specifically targets both worksheet and VBA project protection Demoen/excel-password-cracker You cannot run a password cracker directly on an Excel file
The most powerful tools on GitHub for this task are and John the Ripper . These are industry-standard penetration testing utilities rather than dedicated Excel tools. The workflow involves:
It removes tags from the worksheet XML files.
: By deleting this tag and re-zipping the file, the protection is completely removed. Reliability You extract the cryptographic hash from the Excel
Always check the repository's stars, issues, and commit history. Avoid downloading pre-compiled .exe files from unverified repositories, as they may contain malware. Stick to open-source Python or script-based solutions where you can read the code.
: These tools systematically try every possible password combination within specified parameters (character sets, length ranges) until the correct one is found. This can take hours, days, or even years depending on password complexity. The ExcelUnlock tool demonstrates this approach with configurable character sets and password length ranges.
(If no requirements.txt exists, simply try step 3.)
Never run these tools on the only existing copy of your file. Work on a copy of the Excel document.
