What is the ruling on using programs that contain a crack for personal, non-commercial use, and not for publication purposes?

It is not permissible to use cracks or serial numbers to extend the validity period of programs whose owners prohibit their use after the specified free period, because their owners have a right in them. A group of scholars, however, permitted it if the copying is for private benefit and personal use when needed, due to the inability to obtain the original version. The more cautious approach is not to use them, to avoid disagreement.