pdfcrack ☆
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Description:
PDF files password cracker
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Security
Tags: security password-recovery pdf cli utility
Install: brew install pdfcrack
About:
Pdfcrack is a command-line tool designed to recover lost or forgotten passwords for PDF files. It utilizes brute-force and dictionary-based attack methods to systematically guess the encryption key. Its primary value is providing a utility for users who need to regain access to their own locked documents when the password is unavailable.
Key Features:
  • Supports brute-force and dictionary attacks
  • Optimized for PDF standard security handler
  • Low resource footprint for background operation
  • Command-line interface for scripting and automation
Use Cases:
  • Recovering a forgotten password for a personal PDF document
  • Auditing the password strength of PDF files in an organizational archive
Alternatives:
  • John the Ripper – A comprehensive password cracking suite that supports many formats, including PDF, but is more complex to configure.
  • pdf2john – A utility often used in conjunction with John the Ripper to extract password hashes from PDF files.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 14, 2025 6:06pm 0 VERSION_BUMP ebb78bbb
Sep 11, 2024 8:59am 0 VERSION_BUMP 57500b8f
Nov 19, 2022 10:38pm 0 VERSION_BUMP bba88f30
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