CCYNARKS LearnLogin
← All tools

ExifTool

OSINT — Image & Media · Beginner

Read and write metadata in images, PDFs, and media files.

Knowledge reference only. Prefer in-browser Labs first. Use this tool only on systems you own or have written authorization to test.

What to learn

  • EXIF fields
  • GPS privacy
  • Batch processing

Legitimate use

Forensics and privacy audits — not for stalking.

Official docs →

ExifTool — metadata & image OSINT

Media forensics (authorized images)

  1. 1. Extract metadata

    `exiftool image.jpg` — GPS, device model, software, timestamps.

  2. 2. Strip for privacy

    `exiftool -all= image.jpg` before publishing photos internally.

  3. 3. Correlate

    Match device serials or GPS to other OSINT; pair with reverse image search for provenance.

Case study: Bellingcat and newsroom OSINT routinely use EXIF and shadow analysis — always verify with independent sources.

Example commands (lab VMs only)

  • exiftool photo.jpg
    Show all metadata
  • exiftool -gps:all photo.jpg
    GPS only