This article explores the technical methods, security implications, and best practices for exporting PPP secrets with passwords. MikroTik RouterOS hides passwords in exports to prevent sensitive data leakage. For example:
/file print where name="secrets.txt" However, this still hides passwords in older versions. The only reliable method is to use the /ppp secret export command in a safe environment where the configuration is stored in plaintext? Actually, no—export always hides. mikrotik export ppp secrets with password
On the filesystem, the user database is in /rw/store/user.dat (not directly readable). You would need to use the /tool fetch or scripting to extract. 3. Using MikroTik API to Retrieve Passwords The RouterOS API (port 8728/8729) allows fetching PPP secrets with passwords if proper permissions are granted. Example Python script using librouteros : The only reliable method is to use the
Flags: X - disabled 0 name="john.doe" password="MyPlainPass123" service=pppoe profile=default show-sensitive works for print , not for export . 2. Dumping via Script and File System (For Older Versions) If your RouterOS lacks show-sensitive , you can script a manual dump: You would need to use the /tool fetch
Introduction MikroTik RouterOS is widely used for PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) services such as PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, and OpenVPN. The /ppp secret configuration stores user credentials—username and password—for authentication. By default, when you run an export command, passwords are hidden (displayed as password="..." ). This security measure prevents accidental exposure. However, legitimate scenarios (migration, backup automation, auditing) require exporting secrets with plaintext passwords.
Understanding these nuances ensures you can perform necessary administrative tasks without compromising security.
/ppp secret print detail file=secrets.txt Then view the file: