Python-Powered Packet Listener: Hear Every Byte, See Every Bit.

Packet listener use case.


After being man-in-the-middle using solution from previous section it's time to build and use packet listener tool with Python, but don't forget to use it for ethical purpose like network administration and network security.
This solution itself is ready to use for HTTP sites, HTTPS sites has to be downgraded to HTTP using common tools, but this is another story that will not be covered here.

Packet listener tool using Python.
Packet listener meme.

Python Knowledge Base: Make coding great again.
- Updated: 2024-07-26 by Andrey BRATUS, Senior Data Analyst.




  1. Packet listener for ethical purpose:


  2. A packet listener is a Python-based tool utilized in ethical hacking to monitor and analyze network traffic in real-time, providing insights into data packets transmitted across a network. By capturing and inspecting packets, ethical hackers can identify vulnerabilities, detect unauthorized access, and assess the effectiveness of existing security measures. This functionality is essential for penetration testers , as it facilitates a deeper understanding of network behavior and helps organizations strengthen their defenses against potential cyber threats.


  3. Python code to implement packet listener:


  4. Below is a Python3 realisation of packet listener which can be executed from this command line:# python3 andrew_packet_listener.py


    
    import scapy.all as scapy
    from scapy_http import http
    
    def listen_packets(interface):
    
        scapy.sniff(iface=interface,store=False,prn=analyze_packets)
        #prn = callback function
    
    def analyze_packets(packet):
        #packet.show()
        if packet.haslayer(http.HTTPRequest):
            if packet.haslayer(scapy.Raw):
                print(packet[scapy.Raw].load)
    
    listen_packets("eth0")
    




See also related topics:


Security, network administration and EH - DevOps Plus:

Python, the double-edged sword of security and ethical hacking, where you can defend systems with one hand and penetrate them with the other. It's like being a cybersecurity superhero who walks the fine line between good and mischievous.