OSINT Using Wireshark

OSINT Using Wireshark

Explore how Wireshark can be applied in OSINT investigations. Learn technical steps, case studies, and critical research analysis for effective cyber forensics.

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) has become one of most powerful approaches in cybersecurity investigations. While OSINT is often associated with collecting data from social media, forums, or public records, it also includes technical network level intelligence. One of most widely used tools in this context is Wireshark a free, open source network protocol analyzer.

Wireshark provides visibility into raw network packets that reveal valuable metadata such as:

• Source and destination IP addresses.
• Domain Name System (DNS) queries.
• Transport layer details (TCP, UDP).
• Application data like HTTP headers, user agent strings, or unencrypted credentials.

Technical Workflow: OSINT with Wireshark

1. Packet Capture (PCAP Collection)

Investigators start by capturing traffic from a network interface. Wireshark supports filters such as:

tcp.port == 80  
ip.addr == 192.168.1.10  

This narrows down traffic to specific protocols or hosts.

2. Protocol Analysis

Wireshark decodes hundreds of protocols. For OSINT:

• DNS lookups can be mapped to malicious domains.
• HTTP traffic reveals headers, URLs, and sometimes leaked credentials.
• SSL/TLS handshakes show server certificates, which can be correlated with threat intelligence databases.

3. Metadata Extraction

Using filters, analysts can extract:

• IP geolocation data to track attackers.
• User agent strings to profile devices or malware.
• File transfers and media streams for evidence.

4. Cross Referencing with OSINT Sources

Once suspicious IPs or domains are identified, investigators use OSINT databases such as:

• VirusTotal for malware reputation.
• Shodan for scanning exposed services.
• AbuseIPDB for IP abuse reports.

This creates a hybrid investigation model technical forensics enhanced with public intelligence.

OSINT Forensics Use Cases with Wireshark

Phishing Investigation

• Capture suspicious traffic and identify malicious domains linked to fake login pages.

Online Gambling or Dark Web Monitoring

• Track connections to hidden services or unauthorized payment processors.

Malware Communication

• Detect command and control (C2) server IPs through outbound traffic.

Corporate Espionage

• Analyze unauthorized data exfiltration attempts.

Learn more about OSINT, digital forensics, and advanced network investigations on: https://darkosint.blogspot.com/