CoWPAtty
WPA-PSK dictionary attack tool.
Overview
CoWPAtty is one of the original tools designed for offline dictionary attacks against WPA/WPA2 networks. It operates on a captured four-way handshake and attempts to crack the passphrase using a provided wordlist. It is also known for its ability to use pre-computed hash files (rainbow tables) for a specific SSID, which can accelerate the cracking process dramatically if a table for that network name already exists.
✨ Key Features
- Offline dictionary attack against WPA/WPA2-PSK
- Uses a wordlist to test potential passphrases
- Can generate and use pre-computed hash files based on SSID
- Command-line interface
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Focus on pre-computed hash files for specific SSIDs
- Simplicity and focus on a single attack type
- Historical significance as an early WPA cracker
Unique Value: Provides a straightforward, CPU-based method for WPA/WPA2 dictionary attacks, with a unique feature of using pre-computed hashes for common SSIDs.
🎯 Use Cases (2)
✅ Best For
- Successfully cracking a WPA2 password using a targeted wordlist.
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- High-speed, GPU-accelerated cracking
- Live network attacks
- Attacking WEP or WPS
🏆 Alternatives
Significantly slower than modern GPU-based tools like Hashcat or Pyrit. Its main advantage now is its simplicity and historical role in wireless security.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🔌 Integrations
💰 Pricing
Free tier: Full functionality, open-source.
🔄 Similar Tools in Wireless Security Testing
Aircrack-ng
An open-source command-line tool for Wi-Fi network security auditing and penetration testing....
Wireshark
A powerful, open-source network protocol analyzer used for troubleshooting, analysis, and security a...
Kismet
An open-source tool for detecting wireless networks, sniffing traffic, and identifying potential thr...
Metasploit Framework
An open-source platform for developing, testing, and executing exploit code against remote targets....
Wifite
A Python script that automates the process of attacking WEP, WPA, and WPS encrypted networks....
Reaver
An open-source tool that exploits a vulnerability in WPS to recover WPA/WPA2 passphrases....