A Comprehensive Toolkit for Web Penetration Testing and Bug Hunting

https://github.com/dineshpathro90/Search-Engine

As a bug bounty hunter or penetration tester, one of the most valuable skills is efficiently gathering information about a target. Information gathering, commonly referred to as “recon,” can reveal hidden vulnerabilities and misconfigurations that are often overlooked. This post explores a powerful toolkit for web pen-testing and bug hunting that consolidates a range of search dorks and queries into one interface.

In this guide, I’ll break down what this tool offers, highlight some of its top features, and discuss how it can streamline your recon process to identify valuable targets quickly.

This toolkit simplifies the process of running multiple Google dorks and OSINT searches. Instead of manually crafting complex search queries, you simply enter the target domain, click on a specific category, and the tool runs optimized search queries for you.

The interface includes various buttons, each representing a search type or category, such as exposed configuration files, API endpoints, sensitive files, and vulnerable parameters. With just one click, you’re able to find potential security risks across multiple areas.

Let’s dive into some of the main categories and search functionalities that this tool offers:

Directory Listing Vulnerabilities

Scans for directories left open on the target domain. Open directories often reveal files or configurations that should be kept private. Use this to identify sensitive files or backups stored in the open.

Exposed Configuration Files

Finds configuration files that are inadvertently exposed. These can contain sensitive information, such as API keys, database credentials, or environment settings. Ideal for identifying misconfigurations in common platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla.

Database Files and SQL Dumps

Search for exposed database files, SQL dumps, and backups. SQL files can contain data dumps that leak sensitive data or can even lead to SQL injection vectors.

Backup and Old Files

Finds backup files that are often named with extensions like .bak, .zip, or .old. These files sometimes contain old configurations or code that can be exploited if it contains security weaknesses.

Login Pages and Admin Panels

Identifies common login portals and admin panels. This is crucial in bug bounty hunting since finding an exposed admin panel can give insights into areas where authorization checks might be weak.

API Endpoints

Searches for accessible API endpoints that might provide entry points for injection attacks, excessive data exposure, or other API-specific vulnerabilities.

Juicy Extensions and Sensitive Parameters

Scans for high-value extensions (like .php, .aspx, .jsp) and sensitive parameters in URLs. These can provide insights into the underlying framework and possible parameter injection points.

Open Redirects, SSRF, and LFI/RCE Parameters

Searches for URLs and parameters vulnerable to Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF), Local File Inclusion (LFI), and Remote Code Execution (RCE). These vulnerabilities can often lead to escalated attacks when combined with other issues

Search Engine-Specific Functions

Includes options to search in Shodan, Censys, and other OSINT platforms. These features allow you to look for exposed IPs, open ports, certificates, and even subdomains indexed by various search engines.

Sensitive Files and Server Errors

Looks for files like .env, .htaccess, and .git which might contain sensitive data. This also includes search dorks for server errors that could reveal information about the underlying server software

Using this toolkit requires minimal setup. Follow these steps to maximize its potential:

Enter Your Target Domain — Enter the domain of your target. This tool can then apply a wide range of queries specific to this domain.Choose the Right Dork Category — Based on your recon goals, select the relevant categories. For example, start with “Directory listing vulnerabilities” if you want to find exposed files, or “API Endpoints” to identify potential API-related issues.Analyze Results Carefully — Review the results generated by each dork. Look for potential entry points, sensitive data, or misconfigurations that could lead to vulnerabilities.Automate the Search Process — Consider integrating this toolkit into your automated workflow. While you can’t directly automate this tool, using similar dorks in custom scripts can save time on future projects.Combine Dorks with Manual Testing — While this tool can surface a lot of information, always validate the results manually. False positives are common in automated recon, so it’s essential to double-check vulnerabilities.Use VPN and Proxy Rotation — When conducting extensive searches, particularly if you’re using Google dorks, be cautious of IP blocks. A VPN or proxy rotation tool can prevent detection.Document Everything — Keep notes on all findings. Not only does this help with reporting, but it can also speed up your workflow if you revisit the target in the future.Share Responsibly — If you discover sensitive data, report it responsibly through the target’s vulnerability disclosure program (VDP) or a bug bounty platform.

In this post, we explored a search toolkit for web penetration testing and bug hunting, showcasing its powerful dorking and search capabilities. This toolkit is a must-have for anyone in cybersecurity who aims to perform efficient and comprehensive recon with just a few clicks