iptables Rule Monitor

A command-line tool to monitor iptables rules by index, displaying real-time throughput and total bytes transferred.

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Overview

This script allows you to monitor specific iptables rules within a chain (default: INPUT) by specifying the rule's index. It dynamically fetches packet and byte counters for the chosen rule and displays throughput and total bytes transferred in real-time, updating at a user-defined interval.

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Usage

python3 iptables_monitor.py [options]

Arguments

Required Arguments

• -n, --number (int)
  Rule number (index) in the specified chain to monitor.
  (Mandatory)

Optional Arguments

• -c, --chain (str)
  Name of the iptables chain to monitor (default: INPUT).
  Example: FORWARD, OUTPUT, or custom chain name.

• -r, --refresh (float)
  Refresh interval in seconds between updates (default: 1.0).
  Must be a positive number.

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Example

Monitor the 3rd rule in the FORWARD chain, refreshing every 2 seconds:

python3 iptables_monitor.py -c FORWARD -n 3 -r 2

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Notes

• Make sure you have appropriate permissions to run iptables commands (typically root or with sudo).
• The script uses curses for a terminal-based UI.
• Press Ctrl+C to exit the monitor gracefully.

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Validation of Arguments

• The script checks that:

  • The refresh interval (-r) is greater than zero.
  • The specified rule number (-n) exists within the chain.

• If invalid, it will display an error message and exit.

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Dependencies

• Python 3
• Standard libraries: subprocess, re, sys, argparse, time, curses

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License

This project is provided as-is. Ensure you have the necessary permissions to run iptables commands on your system.

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Note: For detailed usage, run:

python3 iptables_monitor.py --help