Decoding Ethereum Private Keys: xprv vs xpub and Sub-Private Keys
Ethereum private keys are a crucial aspect of securing transactions on the network. However, to ensure the integrity and security of your wallet and funds, it is crucial to understand how to decrypt these keys. In this article, we will explain the difference between xprv (extended public key) and xpub (public key), as well as sub-private keys.
What are Ethereum private keys?
Ethereum private keys consist of three parts: “x”, “p”, and “r”. These values represent a pair of elliptic curve coordinates used to secure transactions. The “x” value is the extended public key, which consists of two components: “xpub” (public key) and “xprv” (extended public key).
xpub vs xprv
To understand the difference between “xpub” and “xprv”, let’s break down their roles:
- xpub: This is the standard public key format used for Ethereum transactions. It is a unique address that can be used to receive or send funds.
- xprv: This extended public key includes additional information, such as a primary extended public key (“p”) and secondary private keys (“r” and “s”). The “xprv” value is required to create and manage secondary private keys.
Child Private Keys
A secondary private key is a combination of two values: “r” (red) and “s” (S). These values are used to retrieve the public and private components of the extended public key (“xpub”). Once you create a secondary private key, you can use it to generate additional private keys or manage existing ones.
Decrypting xprv from xpub and secondary private key
To decrypt an Ethereum private key, follow these steps:
- Determine the primary extended public key (p): Find the “p” value in the private key. This is a unique identifier used to derive secondary private keys.
- Extract the secondary private keys (r and s): Take the first two values after the “p” value. These are the red (“r”) and blue (“s”) components, respectively.
- Create the extended public key (xprv): Combine the extracted “r” and “s” values with the primary extended public key (“p”). The resulting “xprv” value represents the new private key.
Example
Let’s say you have an Ethereum private key in the following format:
Where “
Using this information, you can decrypt the private key as follows:
- Extract the sub-private keys (“r” and “s”). Let’s say “
” = “(0x0004, x0006)”
- Combine the extracted values with the primary extended public key (“p”): “(x0003, x0005)”
Therefore, the decrypted Ethereum private key would be:
x0003
x0005
In summary, understanding how to decrypt “xprv” from “xpub” and secondary private keys is essential for managing your Ethereum wallet and ensuring security. By following these steps, you can easily identify and use your child’s private keys to create additional private keys or manage existing ones.
