Cipher Vault — Python CLI Password Manager

Overview

Cipher Vault is a command-line password manager built using Python.

The project evolved from a basic file-based system to a database-backed application. It allows users to securely store and manage credentials using encryption, with support for CRUD operations and search functionality.

Passwords are never stored in plain text and require a PIN for access.

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Project Evolution

This project has two versions:

1. JSON Version (Basic)

• Stores data in a local file
• Uses JSON for persistence
• Demonstrates file handling and basic encryption

2. MySQL Version (Upgraded)

• Uses MySQL database for storage
• Implements CRUD operations using SQL
• Adds search functionality
• Improved structure and real-world relevance

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Key Features

• Add, update, delete, and view credentials
• Encrypted password storage (XOR-based)
• PIN-based password access
• Search credentials by website
• Menu-driven CLI interface
• Database integration (MySQL version)

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Technology Stack

• Language: Python
• Database: MySQL (for upgraded version)
• Storage (basic version): JSON
• Interface: Command-Line Interface (CLI)

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Project Structure

cipher-vault/
│
├── json-version/
│   ├── main.py
│   └── password_manager.txt
│
├── mysql-version/
│   ├── main.py
│   ├── db.py
│
├── images/
│   ├── json/
│   ├── mysql/
│
└── README.md

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Setup Instructions (MySQL Version)

1. Install MySQL

2. Create Database

CREATE DATABASE cipher_vault;

3. Create Table

CREATE TABLE credentials (
    id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
    website VARCHAR(255),
    username VARCHAR(255),
    password TEXT
);

4. Update Database Credentials

Update db.py:

host="localhost",
user="root",
password="your_password",
database="cipher_vault"

5. Run the Application

python main.py

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Demo Screenshots

JSON Version

Main Menu:

Accessing Password:

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MySQL Version

Main Menu:

Database View:

Accessing Password:

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Encryption Approach

This project uses a basic XOR-based reversible encryption method.

encrypted = ord(char) ^ key
decrypted = chr(encrypted ^ key)

Passwords are stored in encrypted form and converted using JSON for database compatibility.

Note: This method is for learning purposes and not suitable for production use.

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Learning Outcomes

• CLI-based application development
• File handling and JSON processing
• Database integration with MySQL
• CRUD operations using SQL
• Basic encryption techniques
• Code modularization and structure improvement

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Future Improvements

• Strong encryption (Fernet)
• User authentication system
• Web-based interface using Flask

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Author

Bhushan Bhutada Computer Engineering Student