In today’s digital age, protecting our data is crucial. However, even the most secure systems can encounter failures. One such issue is the BackupKey.exe and DPAPI MasterKey backup failures. But what are they, and how do they affect our data? Let’s dive in and find out.
What is BackupKey.exe?
BackupKey.exe is a subproject of SharpDPAPI, a C# library for interacting with Microsoft’s DPAPI. It provides functionality to export and backup DPAPI MasterKeys, which are used to protect sensitive data such as passwords and certificates. BackupKey.exe can be used to export these keys for a specific user account or for all users on a Windows machine. However, there have been reports of backup failures and errors, such as the 0x80090345 error, when attempting to use BackupKey.exe. Solutions include using Mimikatz DPAPI, opening Credential Manager, or checking permissions and container behavior. BackupKey.exe is available on Github as part of the ghostpack project.
Is BackupKey.exe safe to use?
BackupKey.exe is a safe tool to use for creating backups of DPAPI MasterKeys. It is a subproject of SharpDPAPI and is available on Github under ghostpack. However, there are some known errors that may occur while using BackupKey.exe, such as the 0x80090345 error. To avoid errors, make sure to run the tool with the appropriate permissions and user account. It is also important to note that BackupKey.exe only works on Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows 10. To use the tool, open Credential Manager and locate the service account or user account for which you want to create a backup. Then, use the appropriate command to create a backup key, such as “BackupKey.exe /service RWDC /user account /keyx.rsa.pvk”.
How to repair BackupKey.exe errors
BackupKey.exe errors can be resolved by following a few simple steps. First, ensure that the service account has access to the appropriate certificate. Then, check the Provider name and ensure it is set to “Microsoft Enhanced RSA and AES Cryptographic Provider” with the CALG_RSA_KEYX algorithm.
If the issue persists, check for Mimikatz DPAPI or SharpChrome activity, as these can cause DPAPI MasterKey backup failures. Use the CRYPT_READ API to read the container and verify its size.
If the container is too small, use Mimikatz or the GhostPack project on Github to extract the DPAPI MasterKey. To prevent future errors, update to the latest version of Windows and apply any relevant patches, such as MS14-066.
If you are still experiencing issues, consult the article or reach out to the site’s author or community for further assistance.
SharpDPAPI and SharpChrome Command Line Usage
SharpDPAPI and SharpChrome are two command-line tools that can be used to extract sensitive data from Windows machines. To use SharpDPAPI, you need to specify the function you want to use, such as CRYPT_READ or CRYPT_IMPL_SOFTWARE, as well as the provider name and key size. SharpChrome, on the other hand, can extract passwords and other data from the Chrome browser. To use it, you simply need to specify the version and port number. These tools can be useful in situations where BackupKey.exe and DPAPI MasterKey backups fail, resulting in symptoms such as ADLDSSvc Realm and RWDC certificate failures. To learn more about these tools and how they can be used to solve these issues, check out the Github site for ghostpack and the article by @djhohnstein.
User and Machine Triage with BackupKey.exe
| User Triage | Machine Triage |
|---|---|
| Check if the user has access to the DPAPI MasterKey | Check if the machine has an active backup of the DPAPI MasterKey using BackupKey.exe |
| Check if the user has a backup of the DPAPI MasterKey | Check if the machine has a recent backup of the DPAPI MasterKey using BackupKey.exe |
| Check if the user has any errors or warnings related to DPAPI MasterKey | Check if BackupKey.exe has reported any errors or warnings during the backup process |
| Check if the user has any other issues related to DPAPI MasterKey backup failures | Check if the machine has any other issues related to BackupKey.exe and DPAPI MasterKey backup failures |
DPAPI Recap: Master Key Structure and Encrypted Data Blob
Backup Key Dumps and Detection Methods
- BackupKey.exe is a tool used to backup and restore DPAPI (Data Protection API) Master Keys.
- DPAPI is a Windows security feature that protects sensitive data such as passwords and secret keys.
- BackupKey.exe can be used to steal DPAPI Master Keys and gain unauthorized access to protected data.
- BackupKey.exe can be detected through antivirus software or by monitoring system logs for suspicious activity.
- DPAPI Master Key backup failures can occur due to issues with the Windows Cryptographic Service Provider or user account permissions.
- To prevent DPAPI Master Key backup failures, ensure the Windows Cryptographic Service Provider is functioning properly and user accounts have the necessary permissions.
Remediating BackupKey.exe Vulnerabilities
To remediate vulnerabilities in BackupKey.exe, start by deleting the file altogether if it is not necessary for your system’s functionality. If you do need it, ensure that it is only accessible to authorized domain users. Additionally, ensure that your system is fully patched, including the MS14-066 update, to prevent potential attacks.
To avoid DPAPI MasterKey backup failures, avoid using the keyx.rsa.pvk library and monitor for symptoms such as abnormal behavior or operation. If you do experience failures, the solution may involve opening Credential Manager and removing any saved credentials.
For further guidance, check out Github – ghostpack by @djhohnstein and @gentilkiwi’s ADLDSSvc Realm. Keep in mind that the port and number strings mentioned may be specific to certain systems.
