This script is a KeePass keyfile generator, which allows you to create a secure keyfile using a memorable brain-key. KeePass is a widely-used password manager that enhances security by requiring a keyfile in addition to a master password. These scripts take a user-provided brain-key, compute a hash, and then processes this hash to create a SHA-256 hash. The result is formatted into an XML document that serves as the KeePass keyfile.
These scripts offer three distinct methods for processing your brain-key: standard SHA-256, Keccak-512, and SHAKE-256 with a variable output length. You may select the type that best suits your needs. The SHAKE algorithm provides the flexibility to choose the output length according to your preference.
- Brain-Key Input: The script takes a memorable brain-key input (e.g., "password").
- Three hashing types: It calculates the hash of the input and stores it as SHA-2 (256), or Keccak (512), or Shake (256/variable)
- a) SHA2_KeePass_keyfile.py: It calculates the SHA-2/256 hash of the input and stores it.
- b) KECCAK_KeePass_keyfile.py: It calculates the Keccak/512 hash of the input and stores it.
- c) SHAKE_KeePass_keyfile.py: It calculates the SHAKE(-256) hash of the input with a free output length (example of 111 / 222 hex) and stores it.
- Raw Conversion: The hash is converted from HEX to raw bytes.
- SHA-256 Hash: The script then computes the SHA-256 hash of the raw bytes and extracts the first 8 characters.
- XML Keyfile Creation: An XML document is generated, embedding both hashes, and saved as a
*.keyxfile.
Using this method to generate KeePass keyfiles can be very dangerous if not used properly. The security of your keyfile relies heavily on the secrecy and strength of your brain-key. If the brain-key is weak or easily guessable, it could lead to someone breaking your keys and gaining unauthorized access to your KeePass database. Always use a strong, unique brain-key and handle the generated keyfile with extreme caution.
The script is designed to make it easy to create a secure keyfile for KeePass, but it must be used responsibly to ensure your data remains protected.