Introduction:
Google Dorks are search queries that allow users to find specific information on the internet using advanced search operators. These search queries can be used for various purposes, including website security testing, finding sensitive data, and conducting open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations. In this guide, we will discuss how to use Google Dorks effectively and provide some examples of how they can be used.
Use Google Dorks for ethical purposes only: Google Dorks should only be used for ethical purposes, such as security testing, OSINT investigations, or finding publicly available information. Using Google Dorks for malicious purposes, such as hacking or stealing confidential information, is illegal and unethical.
Google Dork Syntax
Google Dorks use a combination of search operators, keywords, and special characters to target specific information.
The basic syntax for a Google Dork is as follows:
operator:keywordHere, the operator is a special character or word that modifies the search query, and the keyword is the specific piece of information that the user is searching for.
Some common operators used in Google Dorks include:
site: - searches for results within a specific website or domain.
inurl: - searches for results with the specified keyword in the URL.
intitle: - searches for results with the specified keyword in the page title.
filetype: - searches for results with the specified file type.
link: - searches for pages that link to a specific URL.
cache: - displays the cached version of a web page.
Finding sensitive files
One of the most common uses of Google Dorks is to find sensitive files, such as password files or server configuration files, that have been accidentally exposed on the internet.
Here's an example:
intitle:"Index of" password.txtThis search query looks for web pages that have "Index of" in the title and contain the file name "password.txt". This may reveal directories or files that contain sensitive information that should not be publicly accessible.
Finding vulnerable websites
Another use of Google Dorks is to find websites that are vulnerable to attacks, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
Here's an example:
inurl:"php?id=" site:example.comThis search query looks for web pages within the example.com domain that contain "php?id=" in the URL. This may reveal pages that are vulnerable to SQL injection attacks, as many vulnerable web applications use this parameter to retrieve data from a database.
Finding open webcams
Google Dorks can also be used to find open webcams that are publicly accessible on the internet.
Here's an example:
inurl:"view/view.shtml" site:webcamxp.comThis search query looks for web pages within the webcamxp.com domain that contain "view/view.shtml" in the URL. This may reveal webcams that are publicly accessible and not protected by any authentication mechanism.
Finding confidential information
Google Dorks can be used to find confidential information, such as login credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data.
Here's an example:
filetype:xls site:example.com confidentialThis search query looks for Excel spreadsheets within the example.com domain that contain the word "confidential". This may reveal files that contain sensitive financial or business data.
Finding email addresses
Google Dorks can also be used to find email addresses that are publicly available on the internet.
Here's an example:
intext:"@example.com" site:linkedin.comThis search query looks for email addresses that contain "@example.com" within LinkedIn profiles. This may reveal email addresses of employees or contacts within the example.com domain.
Finding login pages
Google Dorks can also be used to find login pages for specific websites or applications. Here's an example:
inurl:login site:example.comThis search query looks for web pages within the example.com domain that contain "login" in the URL. This may reveal login pages that are publicly accessible and not protected by any authentication mechanism.
For more examples check out this resource from Exploit-db.com
Best Practices
When using Google Dorks, it's important to follow some best practices to ensure that you are using them ethically and responsibly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use Google Dorks for ethical purposes only:
Google Dorks should only be used for ethical purposes, such as security testing, OSINT investigations, or finding publicly available information. Using Google Dorks for malicious purposes, such as hacking or stealing confidential information, is illegal and unethical.
Use Google Dorks responsibly:
When using Google Dorks, be mindful of the impact that your search queries may have on the websites or applications that you are targeting. Avoid sending a large number of requests to a website or application, as this may be considered a denial-of-service (DoS) attack and may result in legal consequences.
Understand the risks:
Using Google Dorks to find sensitive information or vulnerable websites can be risky, as it may expose you to legal liability or cybersecurity threats. Before using Google Dorks, make sure you understand the risks involved and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself.
Keep your searches legal:
When using Google Dorks, make sure you are not violating any laws or regulations, such as data privacy laws or intellectual property laws. Be respectful of others' rights and do not use Google Dorks to access information that is not publicly available.
Conclusion:
Google Dorks are a powerful tool for finding specific information on the internet, but they should be used ethically and responsibly. By following best practices and using Google Dorks for ethical purposes, you can use this tool to improve your security testing, conduct OSINT investigations, and find publicly available information. Remember to be mindful of the risks involved and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and others.
Additional information
site:target.com inurl:api_key
site:target.com inurl:email
site:target.com inurl:amount
intitle:”index of” “/etc/mysql/”
site:”target.com” database.yml
inurl:group_concat(username, filetype:php intext:admin
inurl:/wwwboard/passwd.txt
filetype:reg reg HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT -git
inurl:/database* ext:sql intext:index of -site:target.com