Build an Email Header Analyzer for Phishing Detection

Email headers contain critical metadata that reveal the true origin of a message. Phishing attempts often spoof sender information to appear legitimate. By parsing and analyzing headers, users can uncover inconsistencies and identify spoofed or malicious messages before they cause harm.

The tool allows users to paste or upload raw email headers, which are then parsed to highlight source IPs, hop history, DKIM/SPF validation, and domain mismatches — flagging emails that show signs of phishing or impersonation.

Users paste an email header into the tool. It parses routing hops, extracts IPs, checks DNS records for SPF and DKIM results, and compares sender identities. Each suspicious element is highlighted, and a cumulative phishing risk score is displayed with recommended actions.

• Users paste raw headers or upload `.eml` files.
• The system parses `Received`, `From`, `Reply-To`, and `Return-Path` fields.
• IP reputation and geolocation are queried via external APIs or local databases.
• SPF and DKIM validation checks are done via DNS queries.
• The tool calculates a phishing likelihood score and explains findings clearly.

• Understanding Email Headers – Google Support
• SPF, DKIM, DMARC Explained
• dnspython Documentation
• Email Header Analyzer (Sample UI)
• Creating Heuristics for Phishing Detection