In bug bounty programs and web penetration testing (pen-testing), content discovery refers to the process of identifying hidden or non-linked resources within a web application or website that may contain vulnerabilities. These resources could include directories, files, APIs, or endpoints that are not immediately visible through regular browsing or navigation.
Content discovery plays a crucial role in bug bounty programs and web penetration testing because:
Identification of Hidden Assets: Websites often have resources that are not directly linked from the main pages but can still be accessed. These hidden assets may contain sensitive information or be vulnerable to exploitation.
Exposure of Vulnerabilities: By uncovering hidden resources, testers can identify potential security vulnerabilities such as misconfigurations, weak access controls, or sensitive data exposure.
Expanded Attack Surface: Discovering additional endpoints or APIs expands the attack surface, providing testers with more opportunities to identify security flaws and weaknesses.
Comprehensive Assessment: Content discovery helps ensure a more thorough assessment of the target system, leaving fewer blind spots for potential attackers.
Common techniques used for content discovery in bug bounty programs and web penetration testing include:
Directory Bruteforcing: Automated tools or scripts are used to systematically scan for directories and files by trying common names or wordlists.
Fuzzing: Testing various inputs or parameters in URLs, API endpoints, or form fields to uncover hidden resources or vulnerabilities.
Web Crawling: Using web crawlers or spiders to navigate through the website and identify linked and non-linked resources.
Dictionary Attacks: Attempting to access common paths or files based on known patterns or default configurations.
Subdomain Enumeration: Identifying subdomains associated with the target domain, which may host additional resources or services.
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