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ARTICLE ADInformation disclosure vulnerabilities occur when sensitive information is unintentionally exposed to unauthorized users. Common types of exposed data can include database credentials, server configurations, API keys, and user-specific information. Attackers can exploit these bugs to compromise systems, escalate privileges, or launch further attacks.
The severity of these vulnerabilities can vary. Some disclosures might only reveal minor details like server names, but even this can help attackers map out an application. Severe disclosures, like database configurations or customer data, can lead to substantial risks, including data breaches, privacy violations, and loss of trust from users.
Exposed API Key in JavaScript Files: Sometimes, developers accidentally leave API keys within client-side JavaScript files, which can be easily accessed by anyone.Error Messages Showing Sensitive Data: Detailed error messages can reveal database structures, usernames, passwords, or internal IP addresses.Directory Listing Enabled: If directory listing is enabled on the server, unauthorized users can browse files within a directory, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files.1. Map Out Information Flow: Begin by mapping out the target’s web application structure and identify where sensitive information may flow. This includes error pages, login workflows, API endpoints, and upload functionalities.2. Investigate HTTP Responses: Use tools to capture HTTP headers and responses. Look for clues in responses that may expose unnecessary details, like internal server errors (500) that might reveal stack traces.3. Explore Open Directories: Try accessing common directories or file names directly (e.g., /admin, /config, /backup) to check if directory listing is enabled or if any misconfigured files are accessible.Burp Suite: Use Burp Suite’s Proxy and Repeater tools to capture HTTP requests and analyze responses. Look for anomalies or unnecessary information, such as debug information or internal IP addresses.Nikto: A web server scanner that identifies potential security issues like backup files and configuration files that may contain sensitive information.DirSearch: For brute-forcing directories to find unexpected files or folders that might be exposed.ExifTool: Useful for extracting metadata from uploaded files to see if it contains sensitive data, such as author names, software versions, and document history.Google Dorking: Use specific queries to locate sensitive information exposed in the application or on the open web (e.g., site:example.com filetype:env to locate environment files on the target).1. Inspecting Source Code Comments: Developers sometimes leave comments in the HTML or JavaScript source code for debugging or informational purposes, which can reveal sensitive information like API keys, internal URLs, or credentials.Example: Check for comments in the page source like <!-- API Key: 12345 --> or <!-- Admin URL: /admin_panel -->.2. Reviewing JavaScript Files for Exposed Endpoints: Sometimes, APIs embedded in JavaScript are more permissive than the frontend application. Review these endpoints for sensitive parameters or exposed endpoints.Example: Check JavaScript files for lines like fetch("https://api.example.com/getUserData?userId=123").3. Intercepting Error Responses in API Calls: Trigger errors deliberately by providing unexpected input in form fields or URL parameters. Analyze the error messages for potential leaks.Example: By sending a random SQL command in a form field, you might encounter an error message like “SQL syntax error in MySQL query near SELECT * FROM users.” This could reveal database structure or server type.4. Searching for Unprotected Files: Some applications accidentally leave sensitive files accessible, such as .env files, robots.txt with sensitive endpoints, .git directories, or backup files.Example: Visiting https://example.com/.git/config could potentially reveal repository information and internal file structure.Automated + Manual Testing: Automated tools are great for quick scans, but manual testing is essential to catch subtle leaks. Take your time with manual exploration of hidden fields, page source, and headers.Customizing Requests in Burp Suite: Customize HTTP headers, cookies, and user agents to test how the server responds to various scenarios. This can reveal data or files restricted to certain users or environments.Monitoring Developer Tools Network Tab: The browser’s Developer Tools can help you monitor all network requests and identify unlisted or hidden API endpoints, sometimes exposing sensitive data.Leveraging a Proxy to Explore Hidden Content: Tools like mitmproxy or OWASP ZAP allow you to intercept and modify traffic, which can help reveal additional endpoints or parameters by examining the interactions between the frontend and backend.Bug Bounty Platforms: Basic information disclosures, like server headers, might yield $50–$200. However, bugs revealing PII or sensitive system information can command $500–$5,000, depending on severity.Private Programs or Direct Reporting: Companies without formal bug bounty programs may still reward significant disclosures. For instance, finding a high-impact leak (e.g., API keys that enable privileged access) could potentially earn $1,000–$10,000 or more, especially for organizations handling critical user data.If you like the article, please share and Clap on it.
Information disclosure vulnerabilities may seem like minor issues, but their impact can be severe if attackers use this data to pivot into deeper systems. By mastering the techniques and tools for detecting these bugs, you can earn meaningful rewards while contributing to a safer digital ecosystem.