# Insecure Password Storage

> Detects passwords stored in plaintext or hashed with weak/unsalted algorithms instead of bcrypt/argon2/scrypt.

- Skill: `zakirkun/insecure-password-storage` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add zakirkun/insecure-password-storage`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/zakirkun/insecure-password-storage/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: zakirkun (https://skillmd.com/u/zakirkun)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/zakirkun/insecure-password-storage

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# Insecure Password Storage

## Overview
Storing passwords in plaintext or with weak hashing algorithms like MD5 or SHA-1 (even with a salt) is insecure because:
- Plaintext passwords are immediately exposed in a database breach
- MD5/SHA-1 are too fast — GPU cracking renders them ineffective
- Missing salts allow rainbow table attacks

The correct approach is to use a purpose-built password hashing algorithm: **bcrypt**, **Argon2id**, or **scrypt**.

## Detection Strategy
Look for:
- Direct string comparison of passwords (no hashing at all)
- Use of MD5/SHA1/SHA256 for password storage (wrong tool for the job)
- Missing bcrypt/argon2/scrypt usage in authentication code

## Remediation
Use `bcrypt` with a minimum cost factor of 12, or `Argon2id`.

**Vulnerable (Python):**
```python
import hashlib
stored = hashlib.md5(password.encode()).hexdigest()
```

**Safe (Python):**
```python
import bcrypt
hashed = bcrypt.hashpw(password.encode(), bcrypt.gensalt(rounds=12))
```