What are the decoders and how do I use them?

A number of different network devices encrypt/encode passwords when saving them in to a device configuration. This helps to make it more difficult for an unauthorized person to discover a password if the devices configuration is leaked or viewed. However in order for Nipper to determine if a password complies with a password policy, any encryption/encoding has to be reversed or broken. These password decoders are based on code that is used within Nipper to reverse these particular types of encoding/encryption.

There are currently four different password decoders:

• Cisco Type-7 Decoder (used in IOS-based Catalyst Switches & Routers);
• Extreme Service Decoder (used in ExtremeOS & ExtremeWare);
• Brocade / Foundry Type 1 Passwords (used in IronWare);
• Juniper Type-9 Password Decoder (used in JunOS & JunOSe).