Google Dorks for Bug Bounty : Unleashing the Power of Advanced Search Queries

In the world of bug bounty hunting, researchers employ various techniques to identify vulnerabilities in websites and applications. One powerful tool in their arsenal is Google Dorks, which are specialized search queries that leverage Google's advanced search operators to discover hidden information. In this article, we will explore four essential Google Dorks that can assist bug bounty hunters in their quest for identifying security flaws and potential attack vectors. Read More : Google Dorks : Understanding, Techniques, and How They Work

1. Discovering Directory Listings with "intitle:index/of"

When searching for sensitive directories and file listings on a target website, the dork "intitle:index/of" proves to be invaluable. By utilizing this dork, researchers can pinpoint web servers that mistakenly expose the contents of their directories. This unintentional exposure can result in the leakage of sensitive files, configurations, and potentially even passwords. Bug bounty hunters must use this dork responsibly to notify website owners of their findings and contribute to the improvement of their security posture.

2. Unveiling Subdomains with "site:*.host.id"

Bug bounty hunters often encounter websites with numerous subdomains, each of which may introduce its own security vulnerabilities. By leveraging the dork "site:*.host.id," researchers can target a specific domain (in this case, "host.id") and retrieve a comprehensive list of subdomains associated with it. This technique allows bug bounty hunters to expand their attack surface and identify potential security flaws across multiple subdomains.

3. Locating Admin Login Pages with "intitle:admin login intext:password"

Admin login pages are prime targets for attackers seeking unauthorized access to privileged accounts. The dork "intitle:admin login intext:password" can help bug bounty hunters identify web pages that are likely to be used for administrative login purposes. By specifically searching for the terms "admin login" and "password" within the page's title and content, researchers can uncover potential security weaknesses such as weak authentication mechanisms or even exposed passwords. It is crucial to responsibly report any findings to the respective website owners to help them enhance their security measures.

4. Finding "Contact Us" Pages with "inurl:/contact intext:email|message"

The "Contact Us" page is an essential component of many websites, allowing visitors to connect with the site owners. However, misconfigurations or vulnerabilities within this page can lead to severe consequences. The dork "inurl:/contact intext:email|message" helps bug bounty hunters locate contact pages by searching for URLs containing "/contact" and matching the terms "email" or "message" within the page's content. Exploiting a blind Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability, an attacker could inject malicious payloads into the page, potentially leading to the theft of the admin's cookie and subsequent unauthorized access to the site's backend. It is vital for website administrators to implement proper input validation and security measures to mitigate such risks.

Read More : Blind XSS using XSS Hunter

5. Discovering Search Parameters with "inurl:/search?q="

Search parameters are commonly used in search functionalities on websites to retrieve specific information. However, these parameters can also be vulnerable to reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks if not properly sanitized. The dork "inurl:/search?q=" allows bug bounty hunters to search for URLs that include a search parameter. By identifying websites with this vulnerability, researchers can demonstrate how an attacker could inject malicious scripts into the search parameter, which would then be executed when the page is loaded by unsuspecting users. It is crucial for developers to implement proper input validation and output encoding to prevent such XSS attacks and ensure the security of their applications.

Read More : Cross Site Scripting (XSS)

6. Finding Directories with "inurl:/files ext:jpg|jpeg|png|docx|pdf"

Often, websites store various files in specific directories for organizational purposes. These files may include images, documents, or other important resources. By utilizing the dork "inurl:/files ext:jpg|jpeg|png|docx|pdf," bug bounty hunters can search for active directories that contain files with specific extensions. This technique allows researchers to locate directories where successfully uploaded files may be stored. By identifying these directories, bug bounty hunters can potentially discover information disclosure vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that may lead to unauthorized access or data leakage. It is important to responsibly disclose any findings to the website owners and assist them in strengthening their security measures.

Final Word

While conducting bug bounty hunting activities, it is crucial to adhere to ethical guidelines, respect the target's policies, and report any findings responsibly. The ultimate goal is to improve the security of web applications and contribute to a safer online environment. Operators

Bug Bounty Dorker