My First Bug: Exploiting a College Website Vulnerability

In this article, Tanay Gupta shares his experience of discovering a vulnerability on his college website. The vulnerability allowed unauthorized access to critical directories containing sensitive user information. This issue falls under the P3 category, which could potentially chain up into a more severe vulnerability.

Impact of the Vulnerability

A data breach on the college website, exploited using the CMSmap tool in Kali Linux, could have severe consequences. CMSmap is designed to scan and detect vulnerabilities in CMS-based websites. Such a breach could expose sensitive user information, including login credentials, personal data, and administrative access. This could lead to unauthorized modifications, data leaks, or even complete website defacement. The impact extends beyond data loss—it can erode user trust, violate privacy policies, and result in legal and financial repercussions for the institution.

Tools and Commands Used

CMSmap: A Python-based tool used to scan and detect vulnerabilities in CMS-based websites.

git clone https://github.com/Dionach/CMSmap.git
cd CMSmap
python3 cmsmap.py -t <target_url>

Kali Linux: A Debian-derived Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing.

Reporting the Vulnerability

Tanay Gupta responsibly reported the vulnerability to the college administration three weeks prior to sharing his findings. This highlights the importance of ethical hacking and responsible disclosure.

What Undercode Say

The discovery of vulnerabilities in web applications is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Tools like CMSmap in Kali Linux are essential for identifying weaknesses in CMS-based websites. However, ethical considerations must always guide the use of such tools. Reporting vulnerabilities to the concerned authorities ensures that they can be patched before malicious actors exploit them.

Here are some additional commands and tools that can be useful for cybersecurity enthusiasts:

Nikto: A web server scanner that tests for dangerous files, outdated server software, and other vulnerabilities.
```
nikto -h <target_url>
```
Nmap: A network scanning tool used to discover hosts and services on a computer network.
```
nmap -sV <target_ip>
```
SQLmap: A tool that automates the process of detecting and exploiting SQL injection flaws.
```
sqlmap -u <target_url> --dbs
```
Metasploit: A penetration testing framework that provides information about security vulnerabilities and aids in penetration testing.
```
msfconsole
```

5. WPScan: A WordPress vulnerability scanner.

wpscan --url <target_url>

Burp Suite: A tool for performing security testing of web applications.
```
burpsuite
```
OWASP ZAP: An open-source web application security scanner.
```
zap.sh
```

8. Linux Commands for Security:

Check open ports:
```
netstat -tuln
```
Monitor network traffic:
```
tcpdump -i eth0
```
Check for rootkits:
```
chkrootkit
```

Update system packages:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

9. Windows Commands for Security:

Check open ports:
```
netstat -an
```
Display active connections:
```
netstat -b
```
Scan for malware using Windows Defender:
```
MpCmdRun.exe -Scan -ScanType 2
```

10. Resources for Learning:

In conclusion, cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field that requires continuous learning and ethical practices. Tools like CMSmap, Nmap, and Metasploit are invaluable for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities. However, the responsible disclosure of these vulnerabilities is equally important to ensure the security and integrity of systems. Always prioritize ethical hacking and contribute to a safer digital environment.

References:

Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI