bulk_extractor

Scan images for emails, cards, URLs.

KaliParrotLinuxpassive

pkg: bulk-extractor

bulk_extractor scans disk images/files for features (emails, credit cards, URLs, hashes) without parsing the filesystem.

Syntax

bulk_extractor -o {out} {image}

Example

bulk_extractor -o out disk.img

Extracts emails, URLs and other artefacts into feature files.

Advantages
  • Fast feature extraction
  • Filesystem-agnostic
Disadvantages
  • Lots of output to triage
  • No context
Tags
#triage#dfir

Official docs: bulk_extractor

Related commands

Frequently asked questions

What is bulk_extractor used for?
bulk_extractor scans disk images/files for features (emails, credit cards, URLs, hashes) without parsing the filesystem.
What is an example bulk_extractor command?
A common example is: bulk_extractor -o out disk.img — Extracts emails, URLs and other artefacts into feature files.
Is bulk_extractor part of Kali Linux?
Yes. bulk_extractor ships with Kali Linux (and Parrot OS). If missing, install it with: sudo apt install bulk-extractor.
What category of security tool is bulk_extractor?
bulk_extractor is a Forensics tool with a passive-risk profile when run against a live target.

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