Level up your Bug Bounty skills with AI

Level up your Bug Bounty skills with AI

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. What is a Word List and When is it Useful?
3. Finding Word Lists on GitHub
4. Using Asset Node for Word Lists
5. Creating a Quick Hits Word List
6. Looking for API Endpoints
7. Searching for Sensitive Configuration Files
8. Java Specific File Hunting
9. Identifying Backend Software Logins and Panels
10. Taking AI Content Creation Further

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the topic of finding and creating word lists for bug hunting and reconnaissance activities. A word list is a crucial tool when You come across an unknown application and want to search for potential vulnerabilities or leads. We will discuss the different ways to obtain word lists, including using AI technology, and how to Create a tailored word list Based on the technology stack you are targeting. Additionally, we will cover specific use cases such as searching for API endpoints, sensitive configuration files, and backend software logins. Let's dive in!

What is a Word List and When is it Useful?

A word list is a collection of words, phrases, or specific strings that are commonly used in the Context of web applications. These lists help researchers and bug hunters to perform effective reconnaissance by searching for potential entry points or Hidden information in the application.

Word lists come in handy when you encounter an application with an unknown technology stack and want to look for leads or vulnerable areas. By having a word list targeted to the specific technology stack, you can efficiently search for potential vulnerabilities or leftover paths.

Finding Word Lists on GitHub

One of the easiest ways to find ready-made word lists is by searching on GitHub. Dan Easter's "SecLists" repository is an excellent resource for various word lists that he has curated over the years. You can download the desired word lists and use them directly in your reconnaissance process.

Using Asset Node for Word Lists

Another option for obtaining word lists is by visiting the asset.node Website. They provide an extensive collection of word list files that you can download and utilize in your bug hunting activities. This platform offers a wide range of word lists specifically designed for different technology stacks.

Creating a Quick Hits Word List

A "quick hits" word list is a valuable asset when you want to perform a rapid search for potential leads based on your personal experience or common knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices. This word list contains the most common endpoints that could be associated with your target application.

To create a quick hits word list, you can leverage AI technology. By using a chat-based AI model like ChatGPT, you can Interact with the model and ask it to provide you with common leads. For example, you can ask ChatGPT to generate base paths for RESTful and open APIs. This will give you a list of common API paths that you can include in your quick hits word list.

Looking for API Endpoints

When hacking on a Java application, it is essential to search for Java Server Pages (JSP) files and JSV or DO files. By using platforms like Sick List and Asset Node, you can find word lists specifically tailored for these technologies.

For PHP applications, you can focus on searching for PHP-related paths. Similarly, if you are targeting an API, you should look for API endpoints. Each technology stack has its own specific word list requirements.

Searching for Sensitive Configuration Files

In the context of DevOps processes and continuous integration and development cycles, it's crucial to identify specific configuration files and tools that may contain sensitive information or access keys. These files can be targeted to leak information Relevant to your reconnaissance.

ChatGPT can assist you in generating a list of sensitive files linked to backend software logins and panels. By asking for potentially sensitive files, you can Gather a comprehensive collection that includes paths like .env, private.key, and more.

Java Specific File Hunting

If you enjoy hacking Java applications, it's essential to focus on looking for sensitive files specific to this technology stack. In addition to the general sensitive files Mentioned earlier, keep an eye out for files related to Java Management Extensions (JMX) or files specific to Java application servers like Tomcat.

JMX console, admin console, and service status for Apache are some of the common files related to Java applications. By searching for and including these files in your word list, you enhance your chances of finding vulnerabilities or sensitive information.

Identifying Backend Software Logins and Panels

When performing security scans for a company or specific target, it can be valuable to search for backend software logins and panels that may be sensitive or crucial for system access. However, it's important to approach this with caution, as accessing or exploiting these panels without proper authorization can be harmful and potentially illegal.

By engaging with ChatGPT or AI models, you can gather a list of admin and login panels related to backend software. These panels may include login endpoints for administration consoles, management dashboards, or system monitoring interfaces.

Taking AI Content Creation Further

The AI-powered approach to word list creation presented here can be extended further to suit your specific reconnaissance needs. You can experiment with generating the most common API routes, JavaScript-related files, or technology stack-specific endpoints.

By continuously updating and expanding your word lists, you can enhance your bug hunting capabilities and uncover more potential vulnerabilities. Combining ready-made word lists from platforms like Sick List and Asset Node with AI-generated lists ensures you have a comprehensive arsenal of leads and paths to explore.

FAQ

Q: What is the significance of a word list in bug hunting?

A: Word lists are essential tools for bug hunters as they provide a collection of commonly used words, phrases, or strings that can help identify potential entry points or hidden information in web applications. They facilitate efficient reconnaissance and vulnerability identification.

Q: Where can I find ready-made word lists?

A: GitHub is a great platform to find ready-made word lists. Dan Easter's "SecLists" repository offers a wide range of curated word lists that you can download and use in your bug hunting activities. Additionally, the asset.node website provides word list collections specific to different technology stacks.

Q: How can AI technology be used to create word lists?

A: AI models like ChatGPT can be utilized to generate word lists by interacting with the model and asking for common leads or endpoints. By leveraging AI, you can create targeted word lists based on your personal experience, common knowledge, or the technology stack you are targeting.

Q: Can word lists be tailored to specific technology stacks?

A: Yes, word lists should be tailored to the specific technology stack you are targeting. Different technology stacks have their own unique endpoints, file types, or paths that are commonly used. Creating technology-specific word lists enhances the effectiveness of your bug hunting efforts.

Q: Are there any ethical considerations when using sensitive word lists?

A: It is crucial to approach sensitive word lists, particularly those related to backend software logins and panels, with caution. Unauthorized access to such panels can be harmful and may be considered illegal. Ensure you have proper authorization before engaging with sensitive targets.

Q: What are the benefits of continuously expanding and updating word lists?

A: By continuously expanding and updating your word lists, you stay up to date with the latest technology trends and potential vulnerabilities. As you encounter new paths, endpoints, or sensitive information, you can add them to your word lists, enhancing your bug hunting capabilities.