The most widely recognized solution is the open-source project mikrotik-backup-extractor or variations found in security repositories (like 0ki/mikrotik-backup-extractor or big-noodle/mikrotik-backup-extractor).
Common methods:
Since modern .backup files (v6.43+) use strong encryption, extracting a backup without a password relies on brute-force attacks. mikrotik backup extractor
A "MikroTik backup extractor" is a tool or method for unpacking MikroTik RouterOS backup files (.backup or older .rsc exports) to view, analyze, or migrate configuration data without restoring the backup to a device. Extractors are used for auditing, migration to other systems, forensic inspection, and recovery of specific config fragments (users, firewall, IP addressing). The most widely recognized solution is the open-source
A company fires a disgruntled network administrator. He leaves behind a laptop with five different .backup files, but no one knows the exact version or password. You need to audit the firewall rules to ensure no backdoors exist. Instead of restoring to a test router (risky), you extract the file offline. Use third-party extractors (desktop tools, scripts)