unblob
Command-line extraction tool that finds and unpacks archives and compressed streams inside arbitrary binary files.
These buttons open the developer's own site, repository or store listing in a new tab. wares.gg does not host downloads.
About unblob
unblob scans an arbitrary binary blob, such as a firmware image, for known container formats. It then extracts every archive, file system and compressed stream it finds, including those nested inside one another, so you can look at what the blob contains.
It is aimed at security researchers and engineers who analyse firmware and other opaque binaries, not at everyday ZIP handling. The project is written in Python and Rust. It ships with a Dockerfile and Nix packaging, and includes fuzzing tests and published documentation.
Strengths
- Finds embedded archives and compressed streams in unknown binaries
- Handles nested containers recursively
- Docker image and Nix packaging available
- Actively developed, with thousands of commits
Limitations
- Command line only, with no graphical interface
- Built for firmware and binary analysis rather than everyday archive work
- Some formats depend on external tools installed alongside it
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree to use; the source is published on GitHub.
- License
- Open source, license not stated
- Developer
- ONEKEY
- Platforms
- Linux, Command line
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Security researchers unpacking firmware images and unknown binary blobs
- Categories
- Compression, Security tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
unblob as an alternative
Listings that name unblob as an alternative.
dtrx
A command-line tool that extracts many archive formats with one consistent command.
unblob extracts archives found inside arbitrary binaries recursively, aimed at firmware analysis rather than everyday archive work, and some formats need external tools installed.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
Squashfs-tools
Command-line tools for creating and extracting compressed, read-only SquashFS filesystem images.
bsdtar (libarchive)
Command-line archivers built on libarchive that read and write tar, zip, cpio, ISO and more.
Precomp
A command-line precompressor that unpacks compressed streams inside files so other compressors shrink them further.
innoextract
A command-line tool that unpacks Inno Setup installers without running them or needing Wine.
Unshield
Command-line tool and library that extracts files from InstallShield cabinet files.