ShadowLink

ShadowLink is a powerful, lightweight, and terminal-based URL masking tool designed for ethical use in cybersecurity demonstrations, phishing awareness training, and red teaming exercises.

It allows you to generate deceptive but legitimate-looking URLs by masking original links with custom domains and keywords—perfect for simulating real-world phishing behavior in a controlled environment.

Features

• Mask any valid URL with a custom domain and keyword.
• Uses multiple shorteners (TinyURL, da.gd, clck.ru, osdb.link).
• Built-in validation for URLs, domains, and keywords.
• Animated loading spinner with polished CLI output.
• Works flawlessly on Linux terminals.
• Clean and single-file implementation for easy use.

Installation

We recommend using a Python virtual environment (venv) to isolate dependencies.

Step-by-step Setup

# 1. Clone the repo
git clone https://github.com/petherl/shadowlink.git
cd shadowlink

# 2. Create and activate a virtual environment
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate

# 3. Install dependencies
pip3 install -r requirements.txt

# 4. Run the tool
python3 shadowlink.py

Install via PyPI (Recommended)

If you prefer to install and use ShadowLink globally:

pip3 install shadowlink

Then run it from anywhere in your terminal:

shadowlink

Or using the Python module syntax:

python -m shadowlink

💡 This is the easiest way to use ShadowLink if you don’t want to clone the repository manually.

Usage

Simply follow the on-screen prompts:

➤ Enter the original URL (e.g. https://example.com)
➤ Enter a custom domain (e.g. x.com)
➤ Enter a phishing keyword (e.g. login, signup, verify)

ShadowLink will then generate multiple masked URLs using various shortening services.

Requirements

• Python 3.10+
• Linux or WSL terminal
• Internet connection (for link shortening)

[!CAUTION]

This tool is developed strictly for educational and ethical purposes such as:

• Cybersecurity training
• Social engineering awareness
• Red team operations

Any misuse of this tool for malicious purposes is strongly discouraged and illegal. The author is not responsible for any misuse or damage caused.

Author

• HErl
• https://github.com/petherl
• petherl@protonmail.com

License

This project is released under the MIT License.