Password Encryption Algorithm

[Former Member]

Hello, Regarding password encryption, which algorithm is used by SAP for password encryption? Is it one of the standard algorithms, or is it proprietary? Thanks in advance for any responses...

[Former Member]

Ron,

There are several different algorithms depending on what SAP version you are on.

Read the following for older versions:

<a href="http://www.openwall.com/lists/john-users/2005/12/11/1">http://www.openwall.com/lists/john-users/2005/12/11/1</a>

after netweaver 6.4 the password hash algorithm changed from MD5 to SHA-1.

In addition the newer versions have much greater security due to being case sensitive, length and the way they are stored.

Cheers,

Ben

[Wolfgang_Janzen]

With nearly every release (and sometimes even with a patch) new password encoding mechanisms ("code versions") or password rules / features have been implemented.

With NetWeaver 7.0 a major step was taken by supporting longer and now case-sensitive passwords (see <a href="https://service.sap.com/sap/support/notes/1023437">SAP Note 1023437</a>).

With NetWeaver 2007 (7.10) random-salted password hash algorithms will be supported (see <a href="https://service.sap.com/sap/support/notes/991968">SAP Note 991968</a>).

Cheers, Wolfgang (just returned from vacation)

[Former Member]

Hi there,

have a look at this overview of the various possible password hash algorithms:

http://www.daniel-berlin.de/security/sap-sec/password-hash-algorithms/

Regards,

Daniel