Uncovering a Critical Vulnerability: Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Data

In the realm of cybersecurity, uncovering vulnerabilities before they can be exploited is paramount. Recently, during an assessment of a large transport company’s digital infrastructure, I identified a critical vulnerability through subdomain enumeration and Google Dorking. This blog will detail the discovery process, the nature of the vulnerability, and the steps taken to mitigate the risks.

*disclaimer:This blog is for informational purposes only and i do not advice to perform illegal activities **

Subdomain Enumeration

Subdomain enumeration involves identifying all subdomains associated with a given domain. Often, these subdomains can reveal hidden endpoints that might be less secure or overlooked during routine security practices.

Tools and Techniques Used

DNS Reconnaissance Tools:Sublist3r: Efficient for listing subdomains.Amass: Provides comprehensive enumeration.SubFinder: Quick and reliable for finding subdomains.

Google Dorking

Google Dorking, also known as Google hacking, leverages advanced search operators to find specific information that may not be easily accessible through normal browsing.

Dorking Steps

Identify Keywords and File-types: Think of sensitive keywords like “password”, “confidential”, “internal”.Combine with Site Operator: Use the site: operator to limit the search to the target domain.Analyze Results: Review the search results for any exposed sensitive data or endpoints.

Type of Vulnerability

Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Data

Affected Areas

Bank APIs: Access to financial transaction endpoints.FTP Protocols: Unsecured file transfer endpoints.Credentials: Exposed usernames and passwords.Transport Details: Sensitive transport logistics and schedules.

Potential Impact

Exposure of Sensitive Data: Critical financial and personal information at risk.Risk of Financial Loss: Unauthorized access to bank APIs could lead to theft.Damage to Company Reputation: Public exposure of vulnerabilities can harm the company’s image.

During the enumeration, I identified a subdomain, https://ftps.REDACTED.in, which hosted sensitive bank APIs. Further investigation through Google Dorking revealed a document indexed by Google that contained credentials for accessing these APIs. Additionally, other dorks uncovered FTP protocols exposing sensitive transport details.

Immediate Mitigation

Block Access to Affected Endpoints: Immediately restrict access to the exposed subdomains and endpoints.Conduct a Thorough Security Audit: Perform a comprehensive security audit to identify and address other vulnerabilities.

The combination of subdomain enumeration and Google Dorking proved to be an effective strategy for identifying critical vulnerabilities within the transport company’s infrastructure.

By systematically applying these techniques, it is possible to uncover and mitigate risks before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This case study underscores the importance of regular security assessments and the implementation of robust security measures to protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of web applications.