png-parser 0.1.1

A tool to inspect, strip metadata, and hide messages in PNG files.

PNG Parser

A high-performance steganography tool built with Rust and Python. This library allows you to hide, read, and delete secret messages within PNG images using custom data chunks without affecting the visual quality of the image.

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Features

• Blazing Fast: Core logic implemented in Rust for maximum speed.
• Stealthy: Uses custom PNG chunks (stEg) that are ignored by standard image viewers.
• Easy to Use: Simple Pythonic API.
• Safe: Includes a delete function to strip hidden data and restore original file integrity.

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Installation

Once the package is uploaded to PyPI, you can install it using pip:

pip install png-parser

Usage

1. Hiding a Message

Embed a secret string into any PNG file. This adds the data safely before the end of the file.

import png_parser

# This appends a hidden 'stEg' chunk to the image
status = png_parser.hide("my_image.png", "hello world")
print(status)
# Output: Success: Message hidden!

2. Reading a Message

Extract the hidden data from the image. If no message is found, it returns a helpful error string.

import png_parser

secret = png_parser.read("my_image.png")
print(f"Secret message: {secret}")
# Output: Secret message: hello world

3. Deleting the Secret

Remove the hidden chunks and restore the PNG to its original state (cleaning up the file size).

import png_parser

status = png_parser.delete("my_image.png")
print(status) 
# Output: Success: Secret message deleted!

Technical Details

This tool manipulates the PNG Chunk Structure. Every PNG consists of a series of chunks. This library inserts an "Ancillary Chunk" (optional data) named stEg. Standard image viewers are programmed to skip chunks they don't recognize. By placing our data before the IEND (End of Image) marker, the file remains a valid, viewable image while carrying your hidden payload.

Development

If you want to build this project from source, you will need:

• Rust (Cargo)
• Python 3.7+
• Maturin (pip install maturin)

To build locally:

maturin develop

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

Author

Pranjal Panging