Google Dorks
Google Dorks is the practice of using advanced Google search operators to find publicly accessible information that is not intended to be easily discovered. This can include sensitive files, misconfigured web services, login portals, or exposed data indexed by Google’s search engine.
How It Works
Google indexes vast amounts of web content, including misconfigured or forgotten pages.
By combining search operators, security testers and malicious actors can locate this information.
Examples of Search Operators:
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site:– Search only within a specific domain (site:hydrattack.com) -
filetype:– Find specific file types (filetype:pdf) -
intitle:– Search within the page title (intitle:"index of") -
inurl:– Search for keywords in URLs (inurl:admin) -
cache:– View Google’s cached version of a page
Example Dorks:
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site:hydrattack.com inurl:login→ Finds login portals on hydrattack.com -
site:hydrattack.com filetype:sql→ Finds publicly accessible SQL files -
intitle:"Index of" "backup"→ Finds open directories with backups
Cybersecurity Perspective
Risks:
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Exposure of sensitive files such as credentials, database dumps, configuration files.
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Discovery of unprotected admin panels or control interfaces.
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Indexed backups containing historical vulnerabilities.
Benefits for Pentesting:
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Fast reconnaissance of target infrastructure.
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Identification of misconfigurations without active exploitation.
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Mapping of publicly available endpoints for further testing.
Ethical & Legal Notice
Google Dorking can uncover sensitive or private information. Only perform scans on domains you own or have explicit permission to test. Unauthorized use may violate laws and terms of service.