CAT File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .cat
Full Name Microsoft Security Catalog File
MIME Type application/vnd.microsoft.portable-executable
Developed by Microsoft
File Format Type Binary
Usage Contains digital signatures for Microsoft Windows files
Primary Association Software Installation & Drivers
Encryption Can be digitally signed
Integrity Check Hashes for file integrity verification
Signature Type PKCS #7
Compatibility Windows operating systems
Software to Open Microsoft Windows, Sigcheck
Editable No, unless re-signed after changes
Can Be Generated By MakeCat tool in Windows SDK
Security Focus Ensuring authenticity of Windows files and drivers
Creation Method Through Catalog Definition Files (.cdf) with MakeCat
File Verification Can be verified using CertUtil utility in Windows
Standards Conforms to Public-Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS)
Typical File Size Varies significantly based on contents and number of signatures