google dorks cheat sheet

HaC 2025

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13-10-2024

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Unlocking the Web: A Google Dorking Cheat Sheet for Ethical Hackers and Security Researchers

The internet is a vast ocean of information, and finding specific data within it can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. But what if you could refine your search to pinpoint exactly what you're looking for? That's where Google Dorking comes in.

Google Dorking, also known as Google Hacking, utilizes advanced search operators to find specific files, web pages, or information on the internet that might be vulnerable or otherwise interesting. While this technique can be used for malicious purposes, ethical hackers and security researchers often use it to:

• Identify potential security vulnerabilities: Find websites with exposed sensitive data like usernames, passwords, or API keys.
• Discover hidden resources: Uncover hidden web pages, databases, or files that may not be publicly accessible.
• Analyze competitor strategies: Learn about competitors' website structures, marketing campaigns, and technologies used.
• Gather information for research: Discover data relevant to specific topics or domains for academic or research purposes.

Here's a cheat sheet with common Google Dorking operators and their use cases, compiled from discussions on Github:

1. Finding Exposed Files:

• "filetype:pdf" site:example.com: This operator allows you to find PDF files on a specific website. (Source: github.com/j3ssie/google-dorking) You could use this to find documents containing confidential information or hidden internal reports.
• "intitle:index.php" site:example.com: This operator looks for websites with pages that include the keyword "index.php" in the title. (Source: github.com/TheLazzi/Google-Dorking-Cheat-Sheet) This could reveal websites using outdated frameworks or misconfigured web servers.

2. Searching for Specific Content:

• "inurl:admin" "login": This operator finds web pages with "admin" in the URL and containing the keyword "login." (Source: github.com/TheLazzi/Google-Dorking-Cheat-Sheet) This could reveal potential login pages for administrative panels.
• "intext:password" -inurl:password: This operator searches for web pages containing the word "password" but excludes those with the word "password" in the URL. (Source: github.com/TheLazzi/Google-Dorking-Cheat-Sheet) This might expose websites that might have unintentionally revealed passwords in their content.

3. Discovering Hidden Resources:

• "link:example.com": This operator discovers websites that link to a specific website. (Source: github.com/j3ssie/google-dorking) This can be helpful for finding related websites, potential partners, or even hidden resources linked from a main site.
• "cache:example.com": This operator shows the cached version of a website, which can sometimes reveal older or deleted content. (Source: github.com/TheLazzi/Google-Dorking-Cheat-Sheet) This can be useful for studying website evolution or finding archived information.

4. Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

• "site:example.com inurl:admin" "filetype:txt": This combines operators to specifically find text files containing the keyword "admin" on a particular domain. (Source: github.com/j3ssie/google-dorking)
• "ext:csv" site:example.com: This operator finds CSV files on a particular domain. (Source: github.com/TheLazzi/Google-Dorking-Cheat-Sheet) These files could potentially contain sensitive data, such as customer lists or financial records.

Ethical Considerations

Remember, Google Dorking is a powerful tool, and its use should always be ethical. Never use Google Dorking to:

• Access unauthorized information
• Cause harm or disruption to websites or individuals
• Steal data or personal information

Conclusion

This cheat sheet serves as a starting point for exploring the vast possibilities of Google Dorking. By understanding these operators and their combinations, you can effectively search the web for specific information, hidden resources, or potential security vulnerabilities. Always use this knowledge responsibly and ethically to promote a safer and more secure digital world.

Further Reading:

• Google Hacking Database
• Google Dorking: The Ultimate Guide
• Ethical Hacking Resources