Uncovering Hidden API Endpoints with JSON2Paths: A Cybersecurity Deep Dive

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Introduction

Security researchers and bug bounty hunters often rely on tools like Burp Suite to intercept and analyze web traffic. However, manually sifting through HTTP history can be tedious. JSON2Paths, a Python tool by s0md3v, automates the extraction of hidden API endpoints and application routes from Burp Suite’s history, streamlining the discovery of potential vulnerabilities.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand how JSON2Paths extracts hidden API endpoints from Burp Suite logs.
  • Learn to integrate JSON2Paths into your bug bounty workflow for efficient reconnaissance.
  • Identify common vulnerabilities in exposed API routes and mitigate risks.

1. Installing JSON2Paths

Command:

git clone https://github.com/s0md3v/dump.git 
cd dump/json2paths 
python3 json2paths.py --help

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clone the repository using `git clone`.

2. Navigate to the `json2paths` directory.

  1. Run the script with `–help` to view available options.
  2. Ensure Python 3.x and Burp Suite’s exported history (in JSON) are ready.

2. Exporting Burp Suite History for Analysis

Burp Suite Steps:

  1. Open Burp Suite and navigate to Proxy > HTTP History.
  2. Right-click and select Save Items (export as JSON).

3. Use the file as input for JSON2Paths.

Command:

python3 json2paths.py -f burp_history.json -o endpoints.txt

Explanation:

– `-f` specifies the Burp Suite JSON file.
– `-o` saves extracted endpoints to a text file for further testing.

3. Analyzing Extracted Endpoints for Vulnerabilities

Common Vulnerabilities to Check:

  • IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference): Manipulate parameters like user_id=123.
  • Broken Authentication: Test endpoints like `/api/auth/reset-password` for weak tokens.
  • Sensitive Data Exposure: Look for routes such as /api/v1/users/credentials.

Example cURL Command for Testing:

curl -X GET "https://target.com/api/v1/user/123" -H "Authorization: Bearer [bash]"

4. Automating Endpoint Fuzzing with FFuf

Command:

ffuf -w endpoints.txt -u https://target.com/FUZZ -mc 200 -t 50

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Use `endpoints.txt` (output from JSON2Paths) as a wordlist.

2. `-mc 200` filters successful responses.

  1. Adjust `-t` for thread count based on server tolerance.

5. Mitigating Risks in Exposed APIs

Best Practices:

  • Rate Limiting: Implement NGINX rules:
    limit_req_zone $binary_remote_addr zone=api:10m rate=100r/m;
  • Input Validation: Use regex filters in API gateways.
  • Obfuscation: Avoid exposing internal paths like /admin/internal/backup.

What Undercode Say

Key Takeaways:

  1. Efficiency Boost: JSON2Paths reduces manual effort in endpoint discovery, critical for time-sensitive bounty hunting.
  2. Risk Awareness: Exposed endpoints often reveal misconfigurations (e.g., debug routes in production).
  3. Tool Synergy: Combine with FFuf, Burp, and OWASP ZAP for comprehensive testing.

Analysis:

The tool highlights the growing need for automation in reconnaissance. As APIs dominate modern apps, tools like JSON2Paths will become staples for both attackers and defenders. Future iterations may integrate machine learning to predict vulnerable routes, further shifting the cybersecurity landscape.

Prediction:

Within 2–3 years, API security tools will increasingly leverage AI to preemptively flag vulnerable endpoints, reducing the window of exposure. Meanwhile, attackers will adopt similar automation, escalating the arms race in bug bounty programs.

By integrating JSON2Paths into your workflow, you can uncover hidden vulnerabilities faster and stay ahead in the evolving cybersecurity battlefield.

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Intigriti Done – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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