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I'm trying to identify what algorithm is encrypting / encoding / hashing passwords in a client system. I have samples of matching plaintext and ciphertext. Is there a search engine somewhere that will try multiple algorithms and help me figure out which one created the ciphertext?

Thanks in advance!

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Knowing the context will suggest what type of algorithm you are working with. Without knowing the encryption key, you will not be able to test encryption algorithms. If it's a hash, a program like "HashCalc" will allow you to calculate multiple hashes for a given input, that you can then check against the outputs you see. But context really will be key, we can't help without it. – B-Con May 4 '12 at 23:28
Thanks, B-Con, for your reply! It may be a hash, and I'll check out HashCalc. The context is as follows: The user enters their username and password into Program A. Program A (for which parts of the code are inaccessible) passes an encrypted / encoded / hashed string generated from the password to an Active Directory for validation. If the password is correct, the Active Directory returns a validation code, and Program A logs the user in successfully. Anything else that would help? – Paul T May 5 '12 at 4:19
If the program is authenticating against AD, it is probably (assuredly?) using the Kerberos protocol; you may want to investigate that and see what part of the protocol you are observing. As such, this question is probably best suited for IT Security (or another SE site). They'll probably have more tailored expertise. – B-Con May 5 '12 at 6:51

closed as off topic by B-Con, Paŭlo Ebermann♦ Sep 30 '12 at 13:36

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