Google Map API Key Exposure $$$ | Just 2 Minutes | Don’t Miss Your Bounty

Hey Bug Hunters!

Want to score an easy win? Today, we’re diving into a quick but unique vulnerability: Google Maps API key exposure. It’s a straightforward find with potentially significant impacts, so let’s break it down in under two minutes!

Ever stumbled upon an API key while analyzing through source code and thought, “Hmm, should I be concerned about this?” If you’ve seen URLs like maps.googleapi with google map api key exposure and ignore it, it's time to rethink. Today, I’m sharing how I cracked this common vulnerability and how you can leverage this knowledge to find potential issues and earn some serious bounties.

What Is a Google Maps API Key?

A Google Maps API key is like a pass for accessing Google Maps services. Developers use it to embed maps, fetch directions, and retrieve location details. But if this key ends up in the wrong hands, it can lead to unexpected expenses and, of course, an opportunity for us to find and fix vulnerabilities!

Why Should We Care?

Here’s the kicker: An exposed API key isn’t a flaw in Google’s API — it’s a configuration issue. But that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. If API key is exposed, unauthorized users might exploit it, leading to unexpected costs for the organization. Imagine an API key being used on unauthorized sites — organization’s bill could skyrocket!