When working with Huawei network devices (switches, routers, or firewalls), administrators often need to back up configuration files or transfer them between devices. A common hurdle encountered during this process is encryption. Huawei devices save configuration files with passwords hashed or encrypted, and sometimes the file itself is encoded in a way that makes it unreadable in a standard text editor.
This article explores the native tools Huawei provides for configuration encryption/decryption, how to install them, and best practices for handling sensitive configuration data.
While you cannot "decrypt" a password hash to recover a lost password, you can—and often need to—"decrypt" (convert) configuration files from binary formats to text for analysis.
The correct approach is to:
For enterprise hardware (like USG firewalls or high-end routers), Huawei provides official management tools through their Enterprise Support portal.
Download: Log in to the Software & Firmware Download page and search for specific tools like EasySuite or the Data Encryption Workshop (DEW) package. Installation (EasySuite Example):
Decompress the .zip package (e.g., EasySuite_Container_windows.zip) to a directory with a short path (under 80 characters). Run the .bat script to start the service.
Access the interface via a web browser (typically on port 19090) and log in with the default admin credentials. 2. CPE/Modem Configuration Tools (AESCrypt2)
For consumer-grade fiber modems (like the HG8245 series), users often use AESCrypt2_huawei.exe to handle the hw_ctree.xml configuration files.
Download: These are often found in community-maintained repositories like GitHub (AESCrypt2) or specialized tech forums.
Usage: These tools are usually portable and do not require a formal installation. You run them via the command line to decrypt an exported .xml file to readable plaintext. 3. Online & Script-Based Decryption
For basic password recovery from configuration files, online tools and Python scripts are available. Decrypt Huawei router/firewall passwords ... - Github-Gist
Feature Name: Huawei Configuration Encryption and Decryption Tools
Description: Huawei Configuration Encryption and Decryption Tools is a software utility designed to encrypt and decrypt configuration files for Huawei devices. The tool provides a secure way to protect sensitive information in configuration files, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access and modify the settings.
Key Features:
Benefits:
System Requirements:
Download and Installation:
Usage:
Troubleshooting:
Huawei Configuration Encryption and Decryption Tools Versions:
Huawei Configuration Encryption and Decryption Tools Compatibility:
I understand you're looking for tools related to Huawei device configuration encryption and decryption. However, I need to provide some important guidance:
Legitimate uses (e.g., network administrators recovering lost passwords on their own equipment):
Important warnings:
Legitimate alternatives:
I cannot provide direct download links to potentially unauthorized decryption tools. If you're a legitimate device owner who has lost access credentials, please contact Huawei support or your equipment vendor directly for assistance.
Huawei provides various methods for encrypting and decrypting configuration files and sensitive data, depending on whether you are managing enterprise network equipment (routers/firewalls), cloud services, or consumer mobile devices. 1. Enterprise Network Equipment (Routers & Firewalls)
For enterprise devices like the NetEngine or Eudemon series, encryption is typically handled natively within the device software or through specialized management toolkits.
Native Export/Import: You can export configuration files with an encryption password directly through the device's WebUI. Navigate to Maintenance > Configuration File, specify an encryption password, and click Back up current settings.
Command Line (CLI): Use the save shareable-configuration command to create an encrypted file for another device to reuse.
Huawei eDesk: This tool is used for translating and managing configuration files (primarily from Cisco/Juniper to Huawei) and is available to authorized partners through the Huawei Enterprise Support Portal. 2. Cloud and Management Services (DEW & KMS)
Huawei Cloud offers the Data Encryption Workshop (DEW) and Key Management Service (KMS) for handling sensitive configuration data. Obtain the official Huawei Configuration Conversion Tool via
Management Configuration Tool: Available for download through the DEW page for VDC administrators. This tool includes guides for third-party tools like SanSec and TASS.
Online Encryption Tool: Accessible via the Key Management Service console. You can enter plaintext to generate ciphertext or vice versa for small-size sensitive data.
CryptoAPI Utility: On SOC management nodes, users with root access can use the /usr/local/seccomponent/bin/CryptoAPI utility to encrypt or decrypt passwords in configuration files. 3. Consumer Devices (Mobile/ONT)
Memory Card Encryption: On Huawei smartphones, encryption can be managed under Settings > Security > More settings > Encryption and credentials.
ONT (Optical Network Terminal): Configuration files (like hw_ctree.xml) are often encrypted using a proprietary utility called aescrypt2. This tool is typically embedded in the device firmware and is not officially distributed as a standalone download for consumers. How to Download and Install
Official tools must be sourced from authorized Huawei portals to ensure security: Downloading the Management Configuration Tool User Guide
Huawei provides several tools and methods for handling configuration encryption and decryption, depending on whether you are working with enterprise network equipment (routers/switches), cloud services, or home gateway devices. Official Enterprise & Cloud Tools
Huawei's official ecosystem includes several management tools for handling sensitive configuration data. Key Management Service (KMS) Online Tool : For users of Huawei's Key Management Service
, an online encryption tool is available within the console. Installation : No local installation is required; it is accessed via the Data Encryption Workshop (DEW) or KMS console. : Navigate to Tool > Encrypt Tool > Decrypt
, enter your plaintext/ciphertext, and execute the command using a Customer Master Key (CMK). Management Configuration Tool
: For certain enterprise hardware, specialized management tools can be downloaded directly from the Huawei Support Site Installation
: Log in as a VDC Administrator, locate the tool download button on the left sidebar, and select the guide matching your hardware (e.g., SanSec or TASS). CLI-Based Encryption
: On many Huawei OS platforms (like SOC management nodes), you can perform encryption directly via the command line. : Log in via SSH (e.g., using
) and use native commands to encrypt or decrypt plaintext passwords into ciphertext. Third-Party & Community Decryption Tools
For home gateways (ONTs like the HG8245) or older router configurations where passwords are stored using DES encryption, community-developed scripts are often used for recovery. Huawei Config Decryptor (Python Script) : A widely referenced script (e.g., huaweiDecrypt.py
) can extract local user credentials from configuration files. : Requires Python and the PyCryptodome : It uses a known DES key ( \x01\x02\x03\x04\x05\x06\x07\x08 ) to decrypt the strings found in the exported config files. Huawei Backup Decryptor (kobackupdec)
: Specifically for Android-based backups from HiSuite or KoBackup. Installation : Download from and install PyCryptoDome dependencies. Summary of Common Methods Method / Tool Enterprise Passwords CLI-based encryption/decryption SOC nodes & management units Sensitive Data KMS Online Tool Cloud-based CMK management Legacy Router Config huaweiDecrypt.py Recovering passwords from Mobile Backups kobackupdec Decrypting HiSuite Android backups Further Exploration
Learn about the detailed 8-step process for Huawei router configuration password encryption on Fayaru's Blog , which covers original research on AES-CBC/ECB modes. Huawei Support Guide
for step-by-step instructions on downloading management configuration tool guides for third-party security modules like SanSec. GitHub Gist by staaldraad
Managing Huawei configuration encryption and decryption typically involves three distinct approaches depending on whether you are handling cloud data, network device passwords, or home gateway configuration files ( cap C cap F cap G 1. Online Encryption & Decryption (Huawei Cloud/Enterprise) Huawei provides official online tools through its Key Management Service (KMS) Data Encryption Workshop (DEW)
for encrypting and decrypting sensitive data, such as passwords or configuration strings, without local software installation. : Log in to the Huawei Support Enterprise Portal as a VDC administrator. Tool Usage Navigate to the Key Management Service Tool > Encrypt Enter your plaintext or ciphertext and click to see the result. 2. Router & Firewall Password Decryption (Local Scripts)
For network engineers needing to extract plain-text passwords from exported device configuration files, third-party scripts are often used because Huawei uses a known DES key for specific "crypted" fields. huaweiDecrypt.py (Commonly found on GitHub Gist How to Install Download and install Install the requirement: pip install pycryptodome Run the script: python huaweiDecrypt.py < ciphertext >
: These tools leverage the fact that many Huawei devices use DES in ECB mode with a fixed key ( \x01\x02\x03\x04\x05\x06\x07\x08 ) for local user credentials. 3. Home Gateway Configuration Files (ONT/ONT) Huawei ONT devices (like the cap H cap G 8245 series) often use an encrypted XML format ( Extracting the File
: You may need to bypass standard restrictions by performing a factory reset or using a specific login (like root/admin ) to download the config from the web management page. Decryption Command : If you have the binary, the typical command is: ./aescrypt2 1
are specifically designed for these types of fiber gateway configuration files. 4. Managed Device Configuration (NCM) For enterprise-scale management, tools like SolarWinds NCM iMaster NCE
automate the backup and downloading of configuration files directly from devices using protocols like SFTP or FTP. Software Download : Authorized users can download management software like iMaster NCE Huawei Software Download center Python dependencies for the decryption scripts or instructions for a specific hardware model
Using the Encryption Tool to Encrypt or Decrypt Sensitive Data
Huawei devices often use specialized tools like the Huawei Configuration Encryption and Decryption Tool to manage configuration files (like config.xml or hw_ctree.xml). These tools allow administrators to modify settings that are otherwise hidden or encrypted for security. Where to Download
You can typically find these tools through official Huawei support channels or trusted community forums.
Huawei Enterprise Support: The most secure source for licensed engineers.
GitHub Repositories: Look for community-maintained Python scripts (e.g., huawei-cfg-tool).
ISP Portals: Some internet providers offer specific versions for their hardware. Key Features Decryption: Converts .xml or .cfg files into readable text. For enterprise hardware (like USG firewalls or high-end
Encryption: Re-packs modified files so the router accepts them.
Checksum Correction: Ensures the file integrity remains valid after edits.
Password Recovery: Reveals stored PPPoE or VoIP credentials. Installation Steps
Most of these utilities are "portable" and do not require a standard installer. For Windows Executables (.exe) Download the .zip or .rar archive. Extract the folder to your desktop.
Disable Antivirus: Some tools are flagged as "False Positives" due to their decryption nature.
Run as Administrator: Right-click the tool and select "Run as administrator." For Python-Based Tools
Install Python: Download the latest version from python.org.
Install Dependencies: Open CMD and run pip install pycryptodome. Run Script: Navigate to the folder and type python main.py. How to Use the Tool
Export Config: Log into your Huawei ONT/Router and export the configuration file.
Load File: Open the tool and select your exported file (usually config.xml). Decrypt: Click the Decrypt or Unpack button. Edit: Open the resulting file in Notepad++ to make changes.
Encrypt: Use the tool to "Repack" or "Encrypt" the file back to its original format.
Upload: Restore the new file via the router's web interface. ⚠️ Security Warning
Backup First: Always keep an original copy of your config before editing.
Risk of Bricking: Incorrect edits can make the router unbootable.
Privacy: Never share your decrypted config files; they contain your private internet passwords. If you'd like to find a specific version for your device: Your router model (e.g., HG8245H, EG8145V5) Your firmware version Your operating system (Windows, Linux, or macOS)
The Quest for Secure Configuration: A Huawei Engineer's Tale
Ahmed, a seasoned network engineer at a large telecommunications company, had been tasked with configuring a new Huawei router for a critical network upgrade. As he began to work on the project, he realized that the configuration files contained sensitive information, such as IP addresses, usernames, and passwords. He knew that if these files fell into the wrong hands, it could compromise the entire network.
Ahmed recalled that Huawei provided configuration encryption and decryption tools to secure these files. He decided to download and install the tools to ensure the configuration files were properly encrypted.
First, Ahmed visited the Huawei support website and searched for the configuration encryption and decryption tools. He found the software package, which included a user manual, and downloaded it to his computer. The package was a ZIP file, which he extracted to a folder on his desktop.
The software package included two tools: huawei_cfg_encrypt and huawei_cfg_decrypt. Ahmed read through the user manual to understand how to use the tools. The manual provided step-by-step instructions on how to encrypt and decrypt configuration files.
To encrypt a configuration file, Ahmed used the huawei_cfg_encrypt tool. He ran the command, specifying the input configuration file, the encryption password, and the output encrypted file. The tool encrypted the configuration file using a symmetric encryption algorithm, ensuring that only authorized personnel could access the file.
When he needed to edit or view the configuration file, Ahmed used the huawei_cfg_decrypt tool to decrypt it. He ran the command, specifying the encrypted file, the decryption password, and the output decrypted file. The tool decrypted the file, allowing Ahmed to make the necessary changes.
With the configuration encryption and decryption tools installed and working, Ahmed felt confident that the sensitive information in the configuration files was secure. He completed the network upgrade, and the new Huawei router was successfully configured.
From then on, Ahmed made sure to use the encryption and decryption tools for all his configuration files, ensuring the security and integrity of the network. He also recommended that his colleagues follow the same practice, to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Tools Download and Installation Steps:
For those who want to follow Ahmed's steps, here are the general download and installation steps for the Huawei configuration encryption and decryption tools:
huawei_cfg_encrypt tool to encrypt configuration files.huawei_cfg_decrypt tool to decrypt configuration files.Caution:
For Huawei network devices (like ONT/HGU routers and enterprise switches), "configuration encryption and decryption tools" typically refer to utilities used to protect or unlock configuration backup files ( config.bin
). While Huawei does not provide a single, universal consumer download for this, there are official and community-led methods to handle these files. 1. Official Enterprise Management Tools
Huawei provides official tools for enterprise-level device configuration and security management. eSight Network Management System
: This is the primary enterprise tool for managing network device configurations. : Available via the Huawei Enterprise Support Portal
. You must log in with an authorized account (Enterprise/Carrier partner level) to access software downloads. Installation Part 4: Installation Guide (Windows
: Requires a server environment; the setup includes installing Python in specific directories (e.g., version 3.9.X) to support background configuration scripts. Huawei Cloud DataArts & KMS : For cloud-based file migrations, Huawei uses Data Encryption Workshop (DEW) Key Management Service (KMS)
to encrypt and decrypt sensitive configuration data like AK/SK credentials. 华为云文档 2. Device-Level CLI Encryption (Self-Service)
Many modern Huawei routers allow you to manage encryption keys directly via the Command Line Interface (CLI) rather than using external software. Master Key Configuration
: You can set a "master key" on your device to encrypt exported configuration files. This ensures that the file can only be decrypted by another device with the same master key.
: For securing data in transit, Huawei devices use built-in encryption algorithms like for user authentication and management views. 3. Community Decryption Tools (Open Source)
If you are a home user (e.g., using a HG8245 or HG630) looking to unlock a backup file to retrieve settings like PPPoE passwords, you often have to rely on community-developed scripts. AESCrypt2 (Huawei Variant)
: A common tool for decrypting configuration files from Huawei HG-series routers. : It uses a known Huawei encryption key ( 13395537D2730554A176799F6D56A239 ) to convert encrypted files into readable formats. : Often found on Python Decryption Scripts : Scripts like kobackupdec
(for backups) are frequently used by the reverse-engineering community to decrypt and re-encrypt files. Requirement : Requires Python and libraries like PyCryptoDome installed on your PC. Reverse Engineering Stack Exchange Quick Summary of Actions Recommended Tool/Method Enterprise Management Huawei eSight (Requires Partner Login) Secure Router Backup set master-key in the router's CLI config.bin Use community tools like kobackupdec from GitHub Cloud Credential Security Huawei Cloud KMS (For DEK/CMK management) step-by-step technical guide for a specific router model or the official installation?
Huawei Configuration Encryption and Decryption Tools Report Huawei provides several tools and methods for managing configuration security across its enterprise network devices, including routers, firewalls, and cloud services. These tools are primarily used to protect sensitive data like passwords and sensitive configuration parameters within exported files. 1. Official Methods and Tools
Most modern Huawei devices include built-in mechanisms for encryption and decryption during the configuration export/import process rather than requiring a standalone desktop "decryption" application for end-users. WebUI Configuration Export/Import
: Users can export configuration files directly from the device WebUI. During export, you must specify a Configuration File Encryption Password . When importing to a new device, the corresponding Decryption Password must be entered to restore settings. Key Management Service (KMS) & Online Tools : For Huawei Cloud (DEW/KMS), an online encryption tool
is available within the console. Users can enter plaintext to receive ciphertext or vice versa using their specific custom keys. System Master Key : High-end routers (like NetEngine AR series) use a System Master Key
to encrypt all sensitive data in the configuration. This key can be manually set or automatically generated using the set master-key 2. Download and Installation Information Official Huawei tools are generally distributed through the Huawei Enterprise Technical Support Portal Source/Location Management Configuration Tools Support > Tools
Downloads for third-party tools like SanSec or TASS user guides. eDesk Configuration Translation Huawei Info+
Translates Cisco/Juniper configs to Huawei (available to partners). Hardware Configuration Tool Support > Network Document Tools
Used for calculating power/weight and generating hardware images. Installation Steps: Downloading the Management Configuration Tool User Guide
The process of managing Huawei configuration encryption and decryption involves using official management tools like eSight or cloud-based services like Key Management Service (KMS). These tools are essential for securing sensitive data within configuration files on routers, firewalls, and storage systems. 1. The Tale of the Encrypted Configuration
For network administrators, configuration files are the blueprints of their infrastructure. Huawei devices allow you to save these files with built-in encryption to protect passwords and sensitive data.
Exporting with Protection: When exporting a configuration via a device's WebUI (e.g., under Maintenance > Configuration File), you can specify an Encryption Password. This ensures that even if the file is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the key.
Decryption for Reuse: To apply this configuration to a new device, you must provide the Decryption Password during the import process to unlock the settings. 2. Official Tool Download and Installation
To manage these configurations at scale, administrators often download specific Huawei management software. Logging In to an AR Router Through a Web System
Elias extracted the zip file. There was no fancy installer wizard, no "Next, Next, Finish." This was a network engineer’s tool—rugged and command-line based.
Inside the folder, he saw the executable: hwcfgdecrypt.exe (or sometimes safematic.exe depending on the version).
He opened a command prompt with administrative privileges.
C:\Users\Elias\Downloads\ConfigTool> hwcfgdecrypt.exe
The tool echoed back its usage instructions:
Usage: hwcfgdecrypt <input_file> <output_file> <key>
"The key," Elias muttered. "That’s the catch."
Prerequisites: Python 3.6+ installed.
Step 1: Extract the downloaded ZIP
unzip vrp_decryptor_v1.2.zip -d huawei_decryptor
cd huawei_decryptor
Step 2: Install dependencies (if any)
pip install pycryptodome
Step 3: No further installation – it’s portable! Run directly:
python vrp_decryptor.py
| Feature | Free Tools (VRP Decryptor) | Commercial (ManageEngine, SolarWinds) | |----------|----------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Price | $0 | $1,500+ / year | | Type 4 decryption | Yes | Usually yes | | GUI | Basic | Advanced dashboards | | Audit logging | Manual | Automatic | | Support | Community | 24/7 SLA | | Bulk decrypt | Yes (CLI) | Yes (with reporting) |
For most SMBs and individual engineers, free tools are sufficient. Enterprises should consider an NMS.