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Getting Started with Abuse Contact DB

How do I query the Abuse Contact database? #

The Abuse Contact Database is exposed via DNS.  This means you can send requests to the Abuse Contact DB the same way you would with a DNSBL or any other DNS-based list. This configuration permits a higher volume of queries than would be possible with an HTTP API.

IPv4 #

To obtain the abuse contact for IP 78.47.241.202, you reverse the octets of the IP address and append “.abuse-contacts.abusix.zone.”

Example

$ host -t TXT 202.241.47.78.abuse-contacts.abusix.zone.
202.241.47.78.abuse-contacts.abusix.zone descriptive text "[email protected]"

The response contains the abuse contact in the TXT record.

Multiple results are comma-separated in one TXT record.  If you do not get any result, the range or IP does not exist, or the responsible network owner doesn’t declare an abuse@ role address.

IPv6 #

IPv6 queries are also supported but require the lookup to be in “Nibble” format, which is the format used for IPv6 PTR record lookups.   You can find a tool to convert an IPv6 address to Nibble format here: http://rdns6.com/nibble

To obtain the abuse contact for the IPv6 address 2a03:b0c0:1:d0::bea:a001:

Example

$ host -t TXT 1.0.0.a.a.e.b.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.d.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.c.0.b.3.0.a.2.abuse-contacts.abusix.zone.
1.0.0.a.a.e.b.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.d.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.c.0.b.3.0.a.2.abuse-contacts.abusix.zone descriptive text "[email protected]"

Command-line Tool #

A python-based command-line tool called “querycontacts” is available.

The tool provides a library for use in your Python programs.

You can install it via:

$ pip install querycontacts
Use the command "querycontacts <ip address>." This will convert an IP address, the subsequent abuse contact lookup, and return of the abuse@ address.

Legal Notice #

⚠️
This DNS query service is provided “as is” and “free” (and may be canceled or changed by the provider at any time) without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. In no event shall the providers of this service be liable for any Compensation, claim, damages, or other liability, whether in an action of contract, tort, or otherwise, arising from, out of, or in connection with the service.

Learn more about the Abuse Contact Database #

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