Google Dorks Secrets: Discover Hidden Endpoints & Parameters with Google Dorks

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“As a bug bounty hunter, one of your main tasks is to map out the target’s attack surface, which includes discovering hidden parameters and endpoints. These can open the door to deeper vulnerabilities, leading you to potentially unpatched API calls, unprotected functionality, or even admin-level access. Google Dorking is an incredibly efficient way to find these hidden gems without needing direct access to the target’s infrastructure.”

In this second part of the series, we’ll dive into using Google Dorks to reveal hidden parameters and endpoints that are often left exposed. By discovering these hidden access points, you can find attack vectors that might otherwise remain unnoticed.

Endpoints and parameters are the backbone of how web applications function. They dictate how data is passed between client and server, and in some cases, how certain functionalities (like admin actions) are executed. When these elements are not well-protected or hidden, they can be exploited for a wide range of attacks, such as:

IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference)Unvalidated InputExposed APIsBypass of Authentication

The trick is finding these hidden access points, and Google Dorking is an excellent tool for doing just that.

Endpoints, especially API endpoints, are often documented in places that developers may not intend for the public to see. These endpoints can reveal valuable information about how the system operates, what data it handles, and what actions are available to users.

Dork Example:

site:target.com filetype:php inurl:"api"

Explanation:

site:target.com restricts the search to the target website.filetype:php looks for PHP files, which often serve backend functions.inurl:"api" looks for URLs containing “api”, a common indicator that the file handles API calls.

Why it’s critical: Finding these API endpoints can allow you to interact with the target’s backend directly. Often, APIs are not properly authenticated or restricted, leaving them open for exploitation.

Parameters, especially GET parameters, can provide critical information about how a website handles requests. Hidden parameters might include admin functions, debug options, or internal features that have been accidentally left accessible.

Dork Example:

site:target.com inurl:"?id="

Explanation:

site:target.com limits the search to the target domain.inurl:"?id=" searches for URLs that include the parameter id. This is a common pattern in web applications for fetching records by their ID, which could be susceptible to vulnerabilities like Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR).

Why it’s critical: If the application does not properly validate input for these parameters, it may be possible to manipulate them to access unauthorized data or perform actions you shouldn’t have permission to execute.

During development, developers often leave debug or admin endpoints exposed to the public. These endpoints can reveal sensitive information, allow access to admin functionality, or even display server-side errors.

Dork Example:

site:target.com inurl:"admin" OR inurl:"debug"

Explanation:

site:target.com targets the specific domain.inurl:"admin" searches for URLs containing the word “admin”, which might indicate an admin panel or endpoint.OR inurl:"debug" looks for URLs containing “debug”, which might expose internal debug information that should not be publicly available.

Why it’s critical: Admin and debug endpoints can expose functionality that normal users shouldn’t have access to. They can also reveal sensitive information, such as server logs, error messages, or configuration settings.

Many companies accidentally expose internal API documentation, which can include detailed information about every available endpoint and how to interact with them. These documents might list parameters, payloads, and authentication methods — all crucial information for a bug hunter.

Dork Example:

site:target.com filetype:json inurl:"swagger"

Explanation:

site:target.com limits the search to the target domain.filetype:json searches for JSON files, a common format for API documentation.inurl:"swagger" looks for Swagger documentation, a popular tool for auto-generating API documentation.

Why it’s critical: Swagger documentation can reveal every API endpoint available, including any that may not be properly secured. This is a powerful starting point for testing the target’s API security.

As with any hacking technique, combining multiple dorking operators allows for more precise and effective searches. Let’s look at some advanced combinations that can help you uncover hidden parameters and endpoints.

Example 1:

site:target.com inurl:"?action=" OR inurl:"?cmd="

Explanation:

site:target.com restricts the search to your target domain.inurl:"?action=" OR inurl:"?cmd=" searches for URLs containing common parameter names like action or cmd, which are often used to pass commands or specify actions.

Why it works: These parameters might be used for administrative functions or to execute server-side commands. If they are improperly secured, they can lead to vulnerabilities such as command injection or unauthorized actions.

Example 2:

site:target.com filetype:js inurl:"api" intext:"endpoint"

Explanation:

site:target.com targets the specific domain.filetype:js limits the search to JavaScript files.inurl:"api" looks for JS files that reference APIs.intext:"endpoint" searches for the term “endpoint” within the file, which might indicate a list of available endpoints.

Why it works: JavaScript files often contain references to the backend API and can reveal hidden endpoints that aren’t documented or visible through normal site navigation.

Sometimes, query parameters can control access levels within a site. Developers might accidentally expose parameters that give access to admin functionality, such as toggling user roles, editing sensitive data, or accessing internal dashboards.

Dork Example:

site:target.com inurl:"?role=admin" OR inurl:"?privilege=admin"

Explanation:

site:target.com focuses on the target’s domain.inurl:"?role=admin" OR inurl:"?privilege=admin" looks for URLs where a role or privilege parameter may indicate admin-level access.

Why it’s critical: These types of parameters might be used to control user roles within an application. If you find an exposed URL with such a parameter, it might be possible to manipulate it to escalate your privileges.

“Mastering Google Dorks is essential for discovering hidden parameters and endpoints that can expose sensitive functionality. By carefully crafting your queries, you can reveal critical parts of a web application that might be vulnerable to exploitation.”

In Part 2, we’ve shown how to uncover these hidden endpoints and parameters using simple, yet powerful dorks. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll dive deeper into discovering exposed admin panels and login portals using advanced Google Dorking techniques.

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