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While casually browsing the internet, a cybersecurity researcher discovered an exposed API key using TruffleHog, a tool designed to scan for secrets in code repositories. The key was functional, leading to a successful bug bounty report and reward.
You Should Know:
1. Using TruffleHog to Find Exposed Secrets
TruffleHog scans Git repositories for sensitive data like API keys, passwords, and tokens.
Installation & Basic Scan
Install TruffleHog pip install trufflehog Scan a Git repository trufflehog git https://github.com/target/repo.git Scan a local directory trufflehog filesystem /path/to/directory
Scanning with Regex Rules
trufflehog git https://github.com/target/repo.git --rules /path/to/custom_rules.json
2. Validating an Exposed API Key
Once a key is found, verify if it’s active:
Using cURL to Test API Key
curl -X GET "https://api.target.com/data" -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
Automated Testing with Python
import requests
api_key = "EXPOSED_API_KEY"
headers = {"Authorization": f"Bearer {api_key}"}
response = requests.get("https://api.target.com/data", headers=headers)
if response.status_code == 200:
print("API Key is valid!")
else:
print("Invalid API Key.")
3. Reporting to Bug Bounty Programs (BBP/VDP)
- VDP (Vulnerability Disclosure Program): No monetary reward.
- BBP (Bug Bounty Program): Offers rewards for valid vulnerabilities.
Platforms to Submit Reports
4. Protecting Your Own API Keys
- Use environment variables:
export API_KEY="your_key_here"
- Restrict API keys to specific IPs.
- Rotate keys periodically.
What Undercode Say
Exposed API keys are a critical security risk, often leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and financial loss. Tools like TruffleHog help identify such leaks, but ethical reporting is crucial. Always test keys responsibly and report them through proper channels.
Expected Output:
A structured bug bounty report containing:
- Vulnerability Type: API Key Exposure
- Steps to Reproduce: How the key was found and validated
- Impact: Potential risks (data theft, account takeover)
- Proof of Concept (PoC): cURL/Python script demonstrating the issue
- Remediation: Key revocation, IP restrictions, and monitoring
By following these steps, security researchers can responsibly disclose vulnerabilities and earn bounties while helping organizations secure their systems.
Relevant URLs:
References:
Reported By: Kirtimanmohanty Trufflehog – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
