pdfcrack
Recover passwords from PDF files.
KaliParrotLinuxmedium
pkg: pdfcrack
pdfcrack brute-forces or dictionary-attacks the user/owner passwords on encrypted PDFs.
Syntax
pdfcrack -f {file.pdf} -w {wordlist}
Example
pdfcrack -f doc.pdf -w rockyou.txt
Attempts to recover the PDF password from the wordlist.
Options & flags
What each switch does. Toggle them in the builder below to assemble a command.
Command builder
Tick options (and fill any values) to build a ready-to-copy command.
pdfcrack
Usage examples
pdfcrack -f doc.pdf -w rockyou.txt
Dictionary-attack a PDF.
Advantages
- Simple PDF recovery
- Brute + dictionary
Disadvantages
- Slow on strong crypto
- PDF only
Tags
#pdf#cracking
Official docs: pdfcrack ↗
Related commands
Frequently asked questions
What is pdfcrack used for?
pdfcrack brute-forces or dictionary-attacks the user/owner passwords on encrypted PDFs.
What is an example pdfcrack command?
A common example is: pdfcrack -f doc.pdf -w rockyou.txt — Attempts to recover the PDF password from the wordlist.
Is pdfcrack part of Kali Linux?
Yes. pdfcrack ships with Kali Linux (and Parrot OS). If missing, install it with: sudo apt install pdfcrack.
What category of security tool is pdfcrack?
pdfcrack is a Password Attacks tool with a medium-risk profile when run against a live target.
Try recon tools live
Run real scans against a domain you control, stage by stage.