Topics: password, password-viewer, password-generator, password-manager, asterisk-password-forensics, unmask-password-logic, credential-recovery-tool, hidden-password-viewer, security-audit-utility, asterisk-field-forensics, asterisk-unmasker, password-field-inspector, winapi-password-retrieval, password-recovery, asterisk-password, mfc-tool, windows-utility
AsteriskPassword，A star password viewer developed using C++ and MFC.
AsteriskPassword is a Windows utility designed to reveal passwords hidden behind asterisks (*).
It is built using the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) library and can retrieve the actual text from standard password input boxes on Windows.
The tool works by letting the user drag a target icon (crosshair) onto any password field. When released, the real password is captured and displayed.
- Lightweight MFC-based Windows application
- Reads the real text behind star-masked password controls
- Simple and clean user interface
- Drag-and-drop target selector
- Supports ANSI and Unicode password fields
- Launch the application.
- Press and hold the target (crosshair) icon.
- Drag it over the password input field you want to inspect.
- Release the mouse button — the password will appear in the text box inside the application.
- Visual Studio with MFC support
- Windows SDK
- C++17 or newer (optional)
- Open the project in Visual Studio.
- Select either
ReleaseorDebugconfiguration. - Build using Build → Build Solution.
- The executable will be located in
./Release/AsteriskPassword.exe(or Debug folder).
This tool is intended only for:
- Testing your own applications
- Educational purposes
- Security research on systems you own or have explicit permission to test
Using this software to retrieve passwords without authorization is illegal.
The user assumes full responsibility for any misuse of this application.
This project can be distributed under the MIT License, or you may replace it with your preferred license.