Introduction

Google Dorking, also known as Google hacking, leverages advanced search operators to retrieve specific information from the vast index of the Google search engine. While often associated with security research, Google Dorking is a powerful tool for anyone seeking precise data, ranging from publicly available documents to misconfigured systems. This guide will introduce you to the fundamentals of Google Dorking and its practical applications.

What is Google Dorking?

Google Dorking involves using specialized search queries to uncover hidden or sensitive information stored on public-facing web servers. These queries make use of Google’s advanced search operators to refine results and locate specific data types, such as file formats, exposed directories, or login pages.

For instance, using the filetype operator, you can search for specific file formats:

filetype:pdf site:example.com

This query retrieves all PDFs available on example.com.

Ethical Considerations

While Google Dorking is a legitimate technique, using it to access unauthorized data or exploit vulnerabilities can violate ethical guidelines and laws. Always obtain permission before testing a website, and adhere to the principles of responsible disclosure when identifying security flaws.

Popular Search Operators

Here are some commonly used Google Dorking operators:

• site: Limits results to a specific domain:

  site:example.com
  

• intitle: Searches for a specific word in the title of a page:

  intitle:"index of"
  

• inurl: Looks for keywords in the URL:

  inurl:admin
  

• filetype: Filters results by file extension:

  filetype:txt
  

• link: Finds pages linking to a specific URL:

  link:example.com
  

• related: Identifies websites similar to a given domain:

  related:example.com
  

• cache: Displays the cached version of a page:

  cache:example.com
  

• "" (Quotes) Finds exact match phrases:

  "confidential report"
  

• \* Acts as a wildcard:

  "password * account"
  

• - Excludes specific terms:

  password -example
  

You can also combine these operators for highly targeted queries.

Practical Applications

Searching for Login Pages

inurl:login site:example.com

This retrieves login pages hosted on example.com.

Finding Configuration Files

filetype:conf "apache" site:example.com

This query identifies Apache configuration files on example.com.

Identifying Open Directories

intitle:"index of" site:example.com

This uncovers directories that may be publicly browsable.

Locating Public Cameras

inurl:view/view.shtml

This search reveals live camera feeds that are publicly accessible.

Discovering Email Lists

filetype:xls "email" site:example.com

This locates Excel files containing email addresses.

Exposed Credentials

filetype:env "DB_PASSWORD"

Unprotected Databases

intitle:"index of" "database"

Tools to Enhance Google Dorking

Several tools can automate or enhance Google Dorking queries:

• GHDB (Google Hacking Database): A curated list of dorks for various use cases.
• Dorksearch: 3rd party search engine for faster dorking
• Google Guide: Documentation on all usable google operators and sorting tools.

Conclusion

Google Dorking is a versatile skill that offers immense value for researchers doing OSINT collection on a target or finding obscure information. Mastering advanced search operators helps you efficiently retrieve precise information about a target. However, with great power comes responsibility—always ensure your activities comply with ethical and legal standards, and ensure you follow responsible disclosure guidelines.