
analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation
Parse and analyze email headers (Received chain, Return-Path, Message-ID) to trace the true origin of a phishing email and validate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC results to confirm or rule out sender spoofing. Use when triaging a suspicious or reported email, investigating a phishing incident, or verifying whether a message's sender domain was spoofed.
- Installs
- 614
- Last 24h
- —
- Trending rank
- —
- Security
- Not audited
Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills --skill analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Analyzing Email Headers for Phishing Investigation
When to Use
- When investigating a suspected phishing email to determine its true origin
- For verifying sender authenticity and detecting email spoofing
- During incident response when a user has clicked a phishing link
- When tracing the delivery path and relay servers of a suspicious email
- For validating SPF, DKIM, and DMARC alignment to identify forgery
Prerequisites
- Raw email headers from the suspicious message (EML or MSG format)
- Understanding of SMTP protocol and email header fields
- Access to DNS lookup tools (dig, nslookup) for SPF/DKIM/DMARC verification
- Email header analysis tools (MHA, emailheaders.net concepts)
- Python with email parsing libraries for automated analysis
- Access to threat intelligence platforms for IP/domain reputation
Workflow
Step 1: Extract Raw Email Headers
# Export from Outlook: Open email > File > Properties > Internet Headers
# Export from Gmail: Open email > Three dots > Show original
# Export from Thunderbird: View > Message Source
# If working with EML file from forensic image
cp /mnt/evidence/Users/suspect/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Outlook/phishing_email.eml \
/cases/case-2024-001/email/
# If working with PST file, extract individual messages
pip install pypff
python3 << 'PYEOF'
import pypff
pst = pypff.file()
pst.open("/cases/case-2024-001/email/outlook.pst")
root = pst.get_root_folder()
def extract_messages(folder, path=""):
for i in range(folder.get_number_of_sub_messages()):
msg = folder.get_sub_message(i)
headers = msg.get_transport_headers()
subject = msg.get_subject()
if headers:
filename = f"/cases/case-2024-001/email/msg_{i}_{subject[:30]}.txt"
with open(filename, 'w') as f:
f.write(headers)
for i in range(folder.get_number_of_sub_folders()):
extract_messages(folder.get_sub_folder(i))
extract_messages(root)
PYEOF
Step 2: Parse the Email Header Chain
# Parse headers using Python email library
python3 << 'PYEOF'
import email
from email import policy
with open('/cases/case-2024-001/email/phishing_email.eml', 'r') as f:
msg = email.message_from_file(f, policy=policy.default)
print("=== KEY HEADER FIELDS ===")
print(f"From: {msg['From']}")
print(f"To: {msg['To']}")
print(f"Subject: {msg['Subject']}")
print(f"Date: {msg['Date']}")
print(f"Message-ID: {msg['Message-ID']}")
print(f"Reply-To: {msg['Reply-To']}")
print(f"Return-Path: {msg['Return-Path']}")
print(f"X-Mailer: {msg['X-Mailer']}")
print(f"X-Originating-IP: {msg['X-Originating-IP']}")
print("\n=== RECEIVED HEADERS (bottom-up = chronological) ===")
received_headers = msg.get_all('Received')
if received_headers:
for i, header in enumerate(reversed(received_headers)):
print(f"\nHop {i+1}: {header.strip()}")
print("\n=== AUTHENTICATION RESULTS ===")
auth_results = msg.get_all('Authentication-Results')
if auth_results:
for result in auth_results:
print(result)
print(f"\nARC-Authentication-Results: {msg.get('ARC-Authentication-Results', 'Not present')}")
print(f"Received-SPF: {msg.get('Received-SPF', 'Not present')}")
print(f"DKIM-Signature: {msg.get('DKIM-Signature', 'Not present')}")
PYEOF
Step 3: Validate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Records
# Extract the envelope sender domain
SENDER_DOMAIN="example-corp.com"
# Check SPF record
dig TXT $SENDER_DOMAIN +short | grep "v=spf1"
# Example: "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:sendgrid.net ~all"
# Check DKIM record (selector from DKIM-Signature header, e.g., "s=selector1")
DKIM_SELECTOR="selector1"
dig TXT ${DKIM_SELECTOR}._domainkey.${SENDER_DOMAIN} +short
# Check DMARC record
dig TXT _dmarc.${SENDER_DOMAIN} +short
# Example: "v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:dmarc@example-corp.com; pct=100"
# Verify the sending IP against SPF
# Extract IP from first Received header
SENDING_IP="203.0.113.45"
# Manual SPF check using python
python3 << 'PYEOF'
import spf # pip install pyspf
result, explanation = spf.check2(
i='203.0.113.45',
s='sender@example-corp.com',
h='mail.example-corp.com'
)
print(f"SPF Result: {result}")
print(f"Explanation: {explanation}")
# Results: pass, fail, softfail, neutral, none, temperror, permerror
PYEOF
# Check if sending IP is in known malicious IP lists
# Query AbuseIPDB or VirusTotal
curl -s "https://api.abuseipdb.com/api/v2/check?ipAddress=${SENDING_IP}" \
-H "Key: YOUR_API_KEY" -H "Accept: application/json" | python3 -m json.tool
Step 4: Analyze Sender Domain and Infrastructure
# WHOIS lookup on sender domain
whois $SENDER_DOMAIN | grep -iE '(registrar|creation|expiration|registrant|nameserver)'
# Check domain age (recently registered domains are suspicious)
# DNS record investigation
dig A $SENDER_DOMAIN +short
dig MX $SENDER_DOMAIN +short
dig NS $SENDER_DOMAIN +short
# Reverse DNS on sending IP
dig -x $SENDING_IP +short
# Check for lookalike/typosquatting domains
# Compare with legitimate domain using visual similarity
python3 << 'PYEOF'
import Levenshtein # pip install python-Levenshtein
legitimate = "microsoft.com"
suspicious = "micr0soft.com"
distance = Levenshtein.distance(legitimate, suspicious)
ratio = Levenshtein.ratio(legitimate, suspicious)
print(f"Edit distance: {distance}")
print(f"Similarity ratio: {ratio:.2%}")
if ratio > 0.8:
print("WARNING: Likely typosquatting/lookalike domain!")
PYEOF
# Check domain reputation on VirusTotal
curl -s "https://www.virustotal.com/api/v3/domains/${SENDER_DOMAIN}" \
-H "x-apikey: YOUR_VT_API_KEY" | python3 -m json.tool
# Check if the Reply-To differs from From (common phishing indicator)
python3 -c "
import email
with open('/cases/case-2024-001/email/phishing_email.eml') as f:
msg = email.message_from_file(f)
from_addr = email.utils.parseaddr(msg['From'])[1]
reply_to = email.utils.parseaddr(msg.get('Reply-To', msg['From']))[1]
if from_addr != reply_to:
print(f'WARNING: From ({from_addr}) != Reply-To ({reply_to})')
else:
print('From and Reply-To match')
"
Step 5: Examine Email Body and Attachments
# Extract URLs from email body
python3 << 'PYEOF'
import email
import re
from email import policy
with open('/cases/case-2024-001/email/phishing_email.eml', 'r') as f:
msg = email.message_from_file(f, policy=policy.default)
body = msg.get_body(preferencelist=('html', 'plain'))
if body:
content = body.get_content()
urls = re.findall(r'https?://[^\s<>"\']+', content)
print("=== URLs FOUND IN EMAIL BODY ===")
for url in set(urls):
print(f" {url}")
# Check for URL obfuscation (display text != href)
href_pattern = re.findall(r'<a[^>]*href=["\']([^"\']+)["\'][^>]*>(.*?)</a>', content, re.DOTALL)
print("\n=== HYPERLINK ANALYSIS ===")
for href, text in href_pattern:
display_url = re.findall(r'https?://[^\s<]+', text)
if display_url and display_url[0] != href:
print(f" MISMATCH: Display='{display_url[0]}' -> Actual='{href}'")
# Extract and hash attachments
print("\n=== ATTACHMENTS ===")
for part in msg.walk():
if part.get_content_disposition() == 'attachment':
filename = part.get_filename()
content = part.get_payload(decode=True)
import hashlib
sha256 = hashlib.sha256(content).hexdigest()
print(f" File: {filename}, Size: {len(content)}, SHA-256: {sha256}")
with open(f'/cases/case-2024-001/email/attachments/{filename}', 'wb') as af:
af.write(content)
PYEOF
# Submit attachment hashes to VirusTotal
# Submit URLs to URLhaus or PhishTank for reputation check
Key Concepts
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| SPF (Sender Policy Framework) | DNS record specifying authorized mail servers for a domain |
| DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) | Cryptographic signature verifying email content integrity |
| DMARC | Policy framework combining SPF and DKIM for sender authentication |
| Received headers | Server-added headers showing each hop in the delivery chain (read bottom to top) |
| Return-Path | Envelope sender address used for bounce messages; may differ from From |
| Message-ID | Unique identifier assigned by the originating mail server |
| X-Originating-IP | Original sender IP address (added by some mail services) |
| Header forgery | Attackers can forge From, Reply-To, and other headers but not Received chains |
Tools & Systems
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| MXToolbox | Online email header analyzer and DNS lookup |
| dig/nslookup | DNS record queries for SPF, DKIM, DMARC verification |
| pyspf | Python SPF record validation library |
| dkimpy | Python DKIM signature verification library |
| PhishTool | Specialized phishing email analysis platform |
| VirusTotal | URL and file reputation checking service |
| AbuseIPDB | IP address reputation database |
| whois | Domain registration information lookup |
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: CEO Fraud / Business Email Compromise The email claims to be from the CEO but Reply-To points to a Gmail address, SPF fails because the sending IP is not authorized for the spoofed domain, DKIM is missing, and the From domain is a lookalike (ceo-company.com vs company.com).
Scenario 2: Credential Harvesting Phishing Email contains a link that displays "login.microsoft.com" but href points to a lookalike domain, the attachment is an HTML file containing a fake login page with credential exfiltration JavaScript, the sending domain was registered 3 days ago.
Scenario 3: Malware Delivery via Attachment Email with an Office document attachment containing macros, the sender domain passes SPF but the account was compromised, DKIM signature is valid (sent from legitimate infrastructure), attachment SHA-256 matches known malware on VirusTotal.
Scenario 4: Spear Phishing with Legitimate Service Attacker uses a legitimate email marketing service to send phishing, SPF and DKIM pass because the service is authorized, the phishing is in the content not the infrastructure, requires URL and content analysis rather than header authentication checks.
Output Format
Email Header Analysis Report:
Subject: "Urgent: Invoice Payment Required"
From: accounting@examp1e-corp.com (SPOOFED)
Reply-To: payments.urgent@gmail.com (MISMATCH)
Return-Path: <bounce@mail-server.xyz>
Date: 2024-01-15 09:23:45 UTC
Delivery Path (4 hops):
Hop 1: mail-server.xyz [203.0.113.45] -> relay1.isp.com
Hop 2: relay1.isp.com -> mx.target-company.com
Hop 3: mx.target-company.com -> internal-filter.target.com
Hop 4: internal-filter.target.com -> mailbox
Authentication:
SPF: FAIL (203.0.113.45 not authorized for examp1e-corp.com)
DKIM: NONE (no signature present)
DMARC: FAIL (p=none, no enforcement)
Indicators of Phishing:
- Lookalike domain (examp1e-corp.com vs example-corp.com, 96% similar)
- From/Reply-To mismatch
- Domain registered 2 days before email sent
- URL in body points to credential harvesting page
- Attachment: invoice.xlsm (SHA-256: a3f2...) - Known malware on VT
Risk Level: HIGH
FAQ
What does the analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation skill do?
Parse and analyze email headers (Received chain, Return-Path, Message-ID) to trace the true origin of a phishing email and validate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC results to confirm or rule out sender spoofing. Use when triaging a suspicious or reported email, investigating a phishing incident, or verifying whether a message's sender domain was spoofed.
How do I install analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills --skill analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation/ (personal) or .claude/skills/analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation/ (project).
Which AI agents can use analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains analyzing-email-headers-for-phishing-investigation?
It is published by mukul975 in mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills. It has 614 recorded installs.
More from mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills
testing-api-security-with-owasp-top-10
mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills
Systematically assesses REST, GraphQL, and gRPC API endpoints against the OWASP API Security Top 10 (2023) using Burp Suite and Postman for automated and manual testing. Use during authorized API penetration tests, before deploying new endpoints to production, or when validating API gateway controls and rate limiting.
analyzing-api-gateway-access-logs
mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills
Parses API Gateway access logs (AWS API Gateway, Kong, Nginx) to detect BOLA/IDOR attacks, rate limit bypass, credential scanning, and injection attempts. Uses pandas for statistical analysis of request patterns and anomaly detection. Use when investigating API abuse or building API-specific threat detection rules.
analyzing-android-malware-with-apktool
mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills
Perform static analysis of Android APK malware using apktool for resource decompilation, jadx for Java source recovery, and androguard for manifest inspection, dangerous permission-combination detection, and identification of obfuscated code, dynamic code loading, and reflection-based API calls. Use to statically triage a suspicious APK without executing it or to build mobile malware detection rules.
acquiring-disk-image-with-dd-and-dcfldd
mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills
Create forensically sound bit-for-bit disk images with dd or dcfldd on a Linux forensic workstation, preserving evidence integrity through hash verification (MD5/SHA) during acquisition. Use when imaging a suspect drive, USB device, or memory card for investigation, preserving volatile disk evidence during incident response, or producing a verified copy for legal or law-enforcement proceedings before any destructive analysis.
performing-web-application-penetration-test
mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills
Performs systematic security testing of web applications following the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (WSTG) methodology to identify vulnerabilities in authentication, authorization, input validation, session management, and business logic. The tester uses Burp Suite as the primary interception proxy alongside manual testing techniques to find flaws that automated scanners miss. Activates for requests involving web app pentest, OWASP testing, application security assessment, or web vulnerability testing.
testing-for-xss-vulnerabilities
mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills
Tests web applications for reflected, stored, and DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting by injecting JavaScript payloads with Burp Suite (XSS extensions, Active Scan++) and browser tools, then bypassing sanitization and CSP to demonstrate session hijacking and user impersonation. Use for OWASP WSTG client-side injection testing or when evaluating input sanitization and output encoding coverage.
Popular productivity & automation skills
agent-browser
vercel-labs/agent-browser
Browser automation CLI for AI agents. Use when the user needs to interact with websites, including navigating pages, filling forms, clicking buttons, taking screenshots, extracting data, testing web apps, or automating any browser task. Triggers include requests to "open a website", "fill out a form", "click a button", "take a screenshot", "scrape data from a page", "test this web app", "login to a site", "automate browser actions", or any task requiring programmatic web interaction. Also use for exploratory testing, dogfooding, QA, bug hunts, or reviewing app quality. Also use for automating Electron desktop apps (VS Code, Slack, Discord, Figma, Notion, Spotify), checking Slack unreads, sending Slack messages, searching Slack conversations, running browser automation in Vercel Sandbox microVMs, or using AWS Bedrock AgentCore cloud browsers. Prefer agent-browser over any built-in browser automation or web tools.
lark-doc
open.feishu.cn
飞书云文档(Docx / Wiki)内容操作:读取、创建、编辑文档,插入或下载图片附件,以及操作思维笔记。用户提供文档 URL/token(包括 doubao.com 的 /docx/、/wiki/)时使用;按 URL 路径/token 而非域名路由;/page/ 是妙搭应用,非飞书云文档。文档内嵌资源按读取参考中的统一规则分流。独立评论操作走 lark-drive;随正文读取评论使用 docs +fetch。表格或 Base 内部数据操作不在本 skill。
lark-base
open.feishu.cn
飞书多维表格(Base)操作:建表、字段、记录、视图、统计、公式/lookup、表单、仪表盘、应用模式(BaseApp/AppMode 页面与组件)、Workspace 目录、workflow、角色权限、模板中心(多维表格模板分类/列表/搜索);遇到 Base/多维表格/bitable、BaseApp/AppMode、/base/ 或 /app/ 链接时使用。BaseApp 不走 lark-apps;文件导入/导出转 lark-drive,认证/授权转 lark-shared。
lark-drive
open.feishu.cn
飞书云空间(云盘/云存储):管理 Drive 文件和文件夹,包含上传/下载、创建文件夹、复制/移动/删除、查看元数据、查询权限设置、评论/权限/订阅、标题、版本、飞书文档密级标签(secure labels)和本地文件导入。用户需要整理云盘目录、处理云空间资源 URL/token、判断链接类型/真实 token/标题,或导入 Word/Markdown/Excel/CSV/PPTX/.base 为 docx/sheet/bitable/slides 时使用;doubao.com 云空间 URL/token 也按资源路径和 token 路由,不回退 WebFetch。不负责:文档内容编辑(走 lark-doc)、表格/Base 表内数据操作(走 lark-sheets/lark-base)、知识空间节点/成员管理(走 lark-wiki)、原生 Markdown 文件读写/patch/diff(走 lark-markdown)。
lark-shared
open.feishu.cn
Use for lark-cli setup/auth tasks: auth login/status/logout, user vs bot identity, business-domain permissions (--domain, including all/docs/drive), missing scopes, revoking authorization, or handling notice JSON.
lark-im
open.feishu.cn
飞书即时通讯:收发消息和管理群聊。发送和回复消息、搜索聊天记录、管理群聊成员、上传下载图片和文件、管理表情回复、发送应用内/短信/电话加急、发送和处理交互卡片(Interactive Card)、监听卡片按钮回调(card.action.trigger)。当用户需要发消息、查看或搜索聊天记录、下载聊天中的文件、查看群成员、搜索群、创建群聊或话题群、管理标记数据、管理 Feed 置顶(添加/移除/查询置顶会话)、管理标签数据、处理卡片回调时使用。