---
name: "arpspoof"
section: "8"
platform: "linux"
package: "dsniff"
version: "2.4b1-34"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/arpspoof"
---

# arpspoof(8)

intercept packets on a switched LAN

## NAME

arpspoof - intercept packets on a switched LAN

## SYNOPSIS

```

```

**arpspoof** \[**-i** *interface*\] \[**-c** *own\|host\|both*\] \[**-t** *target*\] \[**-r**\] *host*

## DESCRIPTION

**arpspoof** redirects packets from a target host (or all hosts) on the LAN intended for another host on the LAN by forging ARP replies.  This is an extremely effective way of sniffing traffic on a switch.

Kernel IP forwarding (or a userland program which accomplishes the same, e.g. [fragrouter(8)](/fragrouter/8.md)) must be turned on ahead of time.

## OPTIONS

- **-i** *interface*

  Specify the interface to use.

- **-c** *own\|host\|both*

  Specify which hardware address t use when restoring the arp configuration; while cleaning up, packets can be send with the own address as well as with the address of the host. Sending packets with a fake hw address can disrupt connectivity with certain switch/ap/bridge configurations, however it works more reliably than using the own address, which is the default way arpspoof cleans up afterwards.

- **-t** *target*

  Specify a particular host to ARP poison (if not specified, all hosts on the LAN). Repeat to specify multiple hosts.

- **-r**

  Poison both hosts (host and target) to capture traffic in both directions. (only valid in conjuntion with -t)

- *host*

  Specify the host you wish to intercept packets for (usually the local gateway).

## SEE ALSO

[dsniff(8)](/dsniff/8.md), [fragrouter(8)](/fragrouter/8.md)

## AUTHOR

```
Dug Song <dugsong@monkey.org>
```