performing-dns-tunneling-detection
Detects DNS tunneling by computing Shannon entropy of DNS query names, analyzing query length distributions, inspecting TXT record payloads, and identifying high subdomain cardinality. Uses scapy for packet capture analysis and statistical methods to distinguish legitimate DNS from covert channels. Use when hunting for data exfiltration.
Best use case
performing-dns-tunneling-detection is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Detects DNS tunneling by computing Shannon entropy of DNS query names, analyzing query length distributions, inspecting TXT record payloads, and identifying high subdomain cardinality. Uses scapy for packet capture analysis and statistical methods to distinguish legitimate DNS from covert channels. Use when hunting for data exfiltration.
Teams using performing-dns-tunneling-detection should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/performing-dns-tunneling-detection/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How performing-dns-tunneling-detection Compares
| Feature / Agent | performing-dns-tunneling-detection | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Detects DNS tunneling by computing Shannon entropy of DNS query names, analyzing query length distributions, inspecting TXT record payloads, and identifying high subdomain cardinality. Uses scapy for packet capture analysis and statistical methods to distinguish legitimate DNS from covert channels. Use when hunting for data exfiltration.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
# Performing DNS Tunneling Detection
## When to Use
- When conducting security assessments that involve performing dns tunneling detection
- When following incident response procedures for related security events
- When performing scheduled security testing or auditing activities
- When validating security controls through hands-on testing
## Prerequisites
- Familiarity with security operations concepts and tools
- Access to a test or lab environment for safe execution
- Python 3.8+ with required dependencies installed
- Appropriate authorization for any testing activities
## Instructions
Analyze DNS traffic for indicators of DNS tunneling using entropy analysis and
statistical methods on query name characteristics.
```python
import math
from collections import Counter
def shannon_entropy(data):
if not data:
return 0
counter = Counter(data)
length = len(data)
return -sum((c/length) * math.log2(c/length) for c in counter.values())
# Legitimate domain: low entropy (~3.0-3.5)
print(shannon_entropy("www.google.com"))
# DNS tunnel: high entropy (~4.0-5.0)
print(shannon_entropy("aGVsbG8gd29ybGQ.tunnel.example.com"))
```
Key detection indicators:
1. High Shannon entropy in query names (> 3.5 for subdomain labels)
2. Unusually long query names (> 50 characters)
3. High volume of TXT record requests to a single domain
4. High unique subdomain count per parent domain
5. Non-standard character distribution in labels
## Examples
```python
from scapy.all import rdpcap, DNS, DNSQR
packets = rdpcap("dns_traffic.pcap")
for pkt in packets:
if pkt.haslayer(DNSQR):
query = pkt[DNSQR].qname.decode()
entropy = shannon_entropy(query)
if entropy > 4.0:
print(f"Suspicious: {query} (entropy={entropy:.2f})")
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