Hashcat v7 introduces a Python plugin bridge that allows you to write and integrate custom hash-matching algorithms directly in Python. This plugin system fits into the regular cracking workflow by replacing or extending internal kernel routines.
When enabled, Hashcat uses the plugin's calc_hash() function to compute hash candidates for verification, making it easy to experiment with new or obscure algorithms without modifying core C code or writing OpenCL/CUDA kernels.
This guide demonstrates how to quickly customize such an algorithm using pure Python. Whether you're prototyping a new hash mode, supporting a proprietary format, or simply prefer high-level development, Python plugins make the process fast and straightforward.
No C required. No recompilation. Just write your logic in Python using calc_hash(), and you're ready to crack.
You can use any Python modules you like.
A benchmark is a good way to verify that your setup is working correctly.
Hashcat mode 73000 is preconfigured to load a generic Python plugin from the source file Python/generic_hash_mp.py:
hashcat -m 73000 -b
If you encounter issues with your Python installation, refer to hashcat-python-plugin-requirements.md.
To learn how to modify the plugin source, see hashcat-python-plugin-development-guide.md.
echo password | mkpasswd -s -m yescrypt
Example output:
$y$j9T$uxVFACnNnGBakt9MLrpFf0$SmbSZAge5oa1BfHPBxYGq3mITgHeO/iG2Mdfgo93UN0
$y$j9T$uxVFACnNnGBakt9MLrpFf0$SmbSZAge5oa1BfHPBxYGq3mITgHeO/iG2Mdfgo93UN0*$y$j9T$uxVFACnNnGBakt9MLrpFf0$
(Use the full hash before the * and the salt portion after the *.)
Hashcat modes 73000 and 72000 are generic modes that do not parse the hash, which can lead to redundancy.
Refer to hashcat-python-plugin-development-guide.md to learn how to develop plugins for the generic hash mode.
Install the required module:
pip install pyescrypt
Then in your plugin (either generic_hash_mp.py for -m 73000 or generic_hash_sp.py for -m 72000):
Note for Windows and MacOS users: Mode 73000 automatically switches to generic_hash_sp.py, so be sure to edit that file.
from pyescrypt import Yescrypt, Mode
# Self-test pair
ST_HASH = "$y$j9T$uxVFACnNnGBakt9MLrpFf0$SmbSZAge5oa1BfHPBxYGq3mITgHeO/iG2Mdfgo93UN0*$y$j9T$uxVFACnNnGBakt9MLrpFf0$"
ST_PASS = "password"
def calc_hash(password: bytes, salt: dict) -> str:
return Yescrypt(n=4096, r=32, p=1, mode=Mode.MCF).digest(
password=password,
settings=hcshared.get_salt_buf(salt)
).decode("utf-8")That's it.
hashcat -m 73000 yescrypt.hash wordlist.txt