If you’re diving into the world of bug bounty hunting, you’ve probably heard of Google Dorks. These powerful search queries can be a game-changer for uncovering hidden vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and sensitive data on websites. But what exactly are Google Dorks, and how can you use them to boost your bug bounty success?
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from what Google Dorks are, to how to use Google dorks for bug bounty hunting, and even a comprehensive list of dorks tailored for bug bounty hunters. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you level up your reconnaissance game.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Always get explicit permission before testing any system. Ethical hacking only, let’s keep it legit!
What Are Google Dorks?
Google Dorks, also known as Google hacking, are advanced search queries that leverage Google’s search operators (like site:, inurl:, filetype:) to find specific information that might not surface in regular searches. For bug bounty hunters, Google Dorks are a powerful reconnaissance tool, helping you scope out potential targets, identify misconfigurations, or uncover exposed files and directories.
Think of it like a treasure map, Google Dorks help you pinpoint where the “X” might be, revealing vulnerabilities such as exposed login pages, sensitive files, or error messages that could lead to bigger issues.
How Bug Bounty Hunters Use Google Dorks
Bug bounty hunters rely on Google Dorks to streamline their workflow and uncover issues that automated tools might miss. Here’s how they’re typically used:
- Find exposed sensitive files: Think .env files with API keys or database credentials.
- Identify vulnerable endpoints: Such as login pages or API routes ripe for testing.
- Discover misconfigurations: Like open directories or leaky error messages.
- Scope out subdomains: Or hidden parts of a target’s infrastructure that could be weak points.
But here’s the catch: with great power comes great responsibility. Always ensure you have permission to test the systems you’re targeting. Bug bounty programs have strict rules, stick to them to stay ethical and avoid legal trouble.
The Ultimate List of Google Dorks for Bug Bounty Hunting
Below is a categorized list of Google Dorks tailored for bug bounty hunters. Each category targets a specific type of vulnerability or exposure, complete with examples and explanations. Use these responsibly!
1. Exposed Files and Directories
These dorks help you find files or directories that shouldn’t be publicly accessible.
- site:example.com intitle:”index of”
Finds open directories on example.com, potentially exposing files like backups, logs, or configs. - site:example.com ext:env
Searches for .env files, which often contain sensitive environment variables like database credentials or API keys. - site:example.com filetype:log
Looks for log files that might reveal error messages, user activity, or system details. - site:example.com inurl:/backup/
Targets backup directories that could contain database dumps or source code.
2. Login Pages and Admin Panels
Unprotected or weakly secured login pages can lead to authentication bypasses or brute-force opportunities.
- site:example.com inurl:login
Finds login pages on example.com. Test for weak passwords or SQL injection. - site:example.com intitle:”admin panel”
Looks for admin panels, which might be misconfigured or vulnerable to privilege escalation. - site:example.com inurl:wp-admin
Targets WordPress admin login pages, a common entry point for CMS-based sites.
3. Error Messages and Debug Info
Error messages can leak valuable information about a system’s technology stack or even reveal vulnerabilities.
- site:example.com intext:”sql syntax error”
Finds SQL errors, hinting at potential SQL injection points. - site:example.com intitle:”exception report”
Looks for Java stack traces or other exception reports that might expose internal paths or code. - site:example.com inurl:debug
Targets debug pages or logs, which could reveal sensitive data or misconfigurations.
4. API Endpoints and Documentation
APIs are a goldmine for bug hunters, especially when documentation or test endpoints are left exposed.
- site:example.com inurl:api filetype:json
Finds JSON files related to APIs, which might contain schema details or sample data. - site:example.com intitle:”swagger ui”
Looks for Swagger UI pages, often used for API documentation and testing. - site:example.com inurl:/v1/ OR inurl:/v2/
Targets versioned API endpoints, which might have deprecated or vulnerable features.
5. Sensitive Parameters and Queries
Finding URLs with parameters prone to injection or manipulation can lead to XSS, SQLi, or other attacks.
- site:example.com inurl:id= OR inurl:user=
Finds URLs with id or user parameters, common in SQL injection or IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference) attacks. - site:example.com inurl:redirect=
Looks for redirect parameters, which could be vulnerable to open redirects. - site:example.com inurl:search= OR inurl:query=
Targets search functionalities, often susceptible to XSS or SQL injection.
6. Subdomains and Hidden Assets
Uncovering subdomains or forgotten assets can expand your attack surface.
- site:*.example.com -www
Finds subdomains of example.com (excluding www), which might host staging environments or internal tools. - site:example.com inurl:staging
Looks for staging or development environments, which often have weaker security.
Tutorial: How to Use Google Dorks Effectively
Now that you have a list of dorks, let’s talk about how to use them like a pro. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering Google Dorks for bug bounty hunting.
Step 1: Understand Basic Search Operators
Google Dorks rely on operators to refine searches. Here are the essentials:
- site: Limits results to a specific domain (e.g., site:example.com).
- inurl: Finds pages with a specific string in the URL (e.g., inurl:login).
- intitle: Searches for pages with a specific word in the title (e.g., intitle:”admin panel”).
- filetype: or ext: Looks for specific file extensions (e.g., filetype:pdf).
- intext: Searches for text within the body of the page (e.g., intext:”confidential”).
Step 2: Combine Operators for Precision
You can combine operators to narrow down results. For example:
- site:example.com inurl:admin filetype:php
Finds PHP files in admin directories on example.com. - site:*.example.com -site:www.example.com intitle:”login”
Finds login pages on subdomains, excluding the main site.
Pro tip: Use quotation marks to search for exact phrases (e.g., intitle:”index of”).
Step 3: Refine Your Searches
Google Dorks can return a lot of noise. Here’s how to filter it:
- Use exclusions: Add – to exclude terms (e.g., -inurl:blog to skip blog pages).
- Check date ranges: Use Google’s “Tools” > “Any time” to filter by date, which can help find recently exposed files.
- Avoid CAPTCHAs: If you’re hitting rate limits, use a VPN or slow down your queries.
Step 4: Verify Your Findings
Finding a dork result doesn’t mean you’ve struck gold. Always:
- Check if it’s in scope: Ensure the asset is part of the bug bounty program’s scope.
- Test responsibly: If you find a potential vulnerability, test it carefully without causing harm.
- Report ethically: Follow the program’s disclosure guidelines.
Real-World Example: How a Dork Led to a Critical Find
Here’s a quick story to inspire you. A bug bounty hunter used the dork site:target.com ext:sql and found a database backup file. Inside, they discovered admin credentials, leading to a full account takeover. The payout? A cool $5,000. The lesson? Google Dorks can lead to big wins, but only if you know how to use them.
Wrapping Up
Google Dorks are a must-have in any bug bounty hunter’s toolkit. They’re free, powerful, and can uncover vulnerabilities that automated tools might miss. But remember: with great power comes great responsibility. Always hunt ethically, respect program scopes, and report findings promptly.
Now that you’re armed with this list and tutorial, it’s time to start dorking! Got a favorite dork or a success story? Drop it in the comments, I’d love to hear from you.