How to Find Open Directories?

Are you looking to find publicly accessible open directories on the web? You're in the right place. Open directories are files and folders anyone can access online, often due to misconfigurations or lax security settings. In fact, according to Gitprotect, in 2023, misconfigurations contributed to a 78% increase in data compromises, making them a significant risk factor for data breaches​.

In this guide, we'll walk you through effective ways to uncover these directories using Google search queries, Google dorks, and specialized threat hunting tools. You'll learn how to search faster, while also understanding the risks posed by open directories and misconfigurations.

What are Open Directories?

Open directories are files on the internet that are not password protected and can be accessed by anyone. They can have different types of files, from documents and images to software and multimedia files. Open directories exist because of server misconfigurations or people sharing sensitive data unintentionally. These exposed files may contain credentials or authentication methods like .htpasswd, SSH private keys, and Unix password files that attackers can use to get sensitive information.

The primary web servers that host open directories are Apache and Nginx. Apache has flexible configurations through .htaccess files, which is why it's popular among many users. Nginx is good for any type of content, but especially for serving static files, which is why it's ideal for hosting providers that manage a large amount of data.

Open Directories and Risks

Open directories are a type of web server configuration that allows users to access files and directories without authentication. While they can be very useful for sharing files and resources, they also pose big security risks if not configured properly. 

Threat actors can use open directories to host malicious files, steal sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to systems. For example, an open directory might contain executable files that when downloaded and run can install malware on your computer. 

You need to understand these risks and take steps to secure open directories to prevent unauthorized access and potential security breaches.

Using Google Search Engine to Find Open Directories

Google search engine is a powerful tool to find open directories. Targeted search queries can find specific types of files. For example, searching for ebooks can be done with the query 'intitle:"index of" +(.MOBI|.PDF|.EPUB) -inurl:(jsp|php|html) along with the ebook name. For music files, you can use 'intitle:"music" (mp3|aac|flac|wav) "Parent Directory" -html -php'.

Combining multiple search operators can refine your search results. 'intitle:"index of"' can find open directories, 'inurl:' can filter results to URLs containing specific keywords. 'filetype:' can search for specific file types like images or documents.

Another way to do this is to pivot on known suspicious file names during search and it can lead to the discovery of more open directories. Combining queries that search for specific file types can find open directories with malicious files.

Google Dorks for Open Directory Search

Google Dorks are advanced search queries that can find specific content indexed by Google that's why it's useful for finding open directories. 

A Google Dork for music files might be:

'Music/Songs intitle:"index.of" (mp3|flac|aac) "name or title" -html -htm -php -asp -jsp'

Google Dorks can find directories and files that are not visible in regular search results. Simple queries like 'index of /' can find general directory listings, while more specific queries can find specific media formats. This way you can find hidden gems on the internet with precision. However, using

Google Dorks with big hosting providers like Amazon or CloudFlare can give you extensive search results, making it hard to filter out irrelevant results without using additional filtering techniques to avoid false positives.

File Name Patterns and Extensions

Knowing file name patterns and extensions is important when browsing open directories. Different extensions can indicate the type of file and its purpose.

For example, files with the extension ".exe" can be executable files that are used to run programs.  Files with the extension ".pdf" are documents. By knowing these patterns, users can find the files they need and avoid security risks. For example, be careful with files like ".exe" or ".jar" as they can be related to malicious activities. 

Advanced Search

To refine your search results and find specific files in open directories, advanced search can be very useful. For example, using "site:" can search within a specific website or domain and narrow down your results to a particular source. "filetype:" can search for specific file types like "filetype:pdf" for PDF documents. 

Placing quotes around search terms can find exact phrases and give you more precise results. "-" can exclude specific terms from your search and help you filter out irrelevant results. By combining these operators you can do a very targeted search and find the exact files you need.

Advanced Searching Tips

To search open directories effectively, use specific keywords and operators. Here are some tips to improve your search:

• Use keywords related to the file or directory you are looking for.
• Put quotes around search terms to search for exact phrases.
• Use "site:" to search within a specific website or domain.
• Use "filetype:" to search for a specific file type.
• Use "-" to exclude specific terms from search results.
• Use "intitle:" to search for specific words in the title of the file or directory.
• Use "inurl:" to search for specific words in the URL of the file or directory.

By following these tips you can search open directories and find the files you need with minimal risk.

Browser Bookmarks for Quick Access

Bookmarking can be a powerful way to quick access to your favorite open directories. Storing JavaScript code as a bookmark can run desired actions like downloading files with specific extensions. This can save you time and make your browsing more efficient.

However, some browsers like Internet Explorer have limitations on the length of URLs in bookmarks. Hosted bookmarklets store complex scripts and can run without worrying about browser constraints, bypassing the limitation.

Command Line Tools for Open Directory Search

When you need to pull files from open directories, cURL and Wget are two excellent command-line tools. They're simple, powerful, and great for everything from single-file downloads to handling entire folders.

Using cURL

cURL is versatile and works across various protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP. Here are some practical examples:

Download a File with the Original Name

Keep the original filename by using the -O option:

curl -O http://example.com/file.txt

Rename a File While Downloading

Save the file with a custom name using the -o option:

curl -o myfile.txt http://example.com/file.txt

Download a Recurring Folder

While cURL doesn't directly support recursive downloads, you can combine it with wget-like tools such as xargs. For example, if the directory has an index file:

curl http://example.com/folder/ -o folder.html

grep -Eo '(http|https)://[^"]+' folder.html | xargs -n 1 curl -O

Using Wget

Wget is tailor-made for downloading and is especially handy for grabbing entire directories.

Basic File Download

To download a file and keep its original name:

wget http://example.com/file.txt

Save Files in a Specific Directory

wget -P /path/to/destination http://example.com/file.txt

Download an Entire Folder Recursively

Wget makes it easy to grab all files in a folder with the -r option:

wget -r http://example.com/folder/

You can also add the --no-parent option to avoid going into parent directories:

wget -r --no-parent http://example.com/folder/

Both tools are ideal for automating downloads and handling recurring tasks. Whether you're downloading a single file or retrieving an entire directory, cURL and Wget are excellent choices for exploring open directories.

Malicious Files in Open Directories

Open directories are a double-edged sword, they can give you valuable content but also risk malicious files. These directories contain various file types and no credentials are required. Common file names like 'a.exe' and 'yaml-payload.jar' are often related to malicious activities.

There are slight differences in the appearance of various software used for open directories, like Apache and Python but the core functionality remains the same.

Both .exe and .hta files in an open directory are a red flag, this combination is rare in the legitimate directory. Malicious files contain executables and payloads of malware operations, so be careful when browsing the open directory and be aware of different file extensions.

Examples of Malicious File Types and Their Dangers

Open directories have been exploited by threat actors to distribute malware under the guise of legitimate files. Here are two notable examples:

XWorm Malware Delivery: threat actors use open directories to distribute XWorm, a remote access trojan (RAT), by disguising it as popular software such as web browsers or security tools. Once downloaded, XWorm grants attackers access to the victim's system, allowing them to steal data, install additional malware, or remotely control the device. This technique relies on unsuspecting users downloading and running these malicious files.

Cobalt Strike Payloads: open directories have been known to host Cobalt Strike beacons, a tool often misused by cybercriminals to facilitate unauthorized access and control over compromised systems. These payloads are sometimes disguised as harmless files or given generic names like 1.exe to avoid suspicion. Once executed, they establish a command-and-control (C2) channel, enabling attackers to deploy further malware or exfiltrate sensitive information.

Fighting the Bad Guys with Advanced Open Directory Counterintelligence

AttackCapture™ equips you with advanced tools to counter malicious actors exploiting open directories. These directories can be a double-edged sword-while offering useful content, they often contain hidden threats, including malware executables and payloads.

Attackers frequently use files like .exe, .hta, .bat, .vbs, .ps1, and .pyc in open directories to execute malware, download additional payloads, or run C2 server operations. These file types are common indicators of malicious activity, making it crucial to differentiate between legitimate and harmful files.

AttackCapture™ enhances your ability to detect and mitigate such risks, providing insights into file types, suspicious activity, and attack patterns. Its features---such as MITRE ATT&CK® integration, comprehensive file searching, and automated sandboxing---allow you to identify threats and understand the tactics behind them quickly.

Real-world examples of threat hunting with AttackCapture™

We uncover malware, track attack campaigns, and enhance threat intelligence by analyzing files in these directories. Let's see some examples.

In one case, our team identified malicious payloads like executables and VBScript within exposed directories. These files contained key indicators of compromise (IOCs) that revealed ongoing malware operations. This allowed us to trace and map out the tactics used by attackers, such as the use of PowerShell scripts to deploy further malware.

Another investigation focused on tracking tools like AsyncRAT and Cobalt Strike, which adversaries used in conjunction with open directories for sophisticated malware distribution. By monitoring these directories, we detected how they served as entry points for larger cyber attacks, helping us improve detection and mitigation strategies.

In a final example, our researchers uncovered custom malware targeting Asian organizations by analyzing public tools in open directories. This investigation revealed how threat actors used these tools to breach systems, providing valuable insights into attack vectors and helping us enhance protections against similar threats.

These cases highlight the critical role open directories play in our ongoing threat-hunting efforts. Book a demo to experience how AttackCapture™ can elevate your defense strategy.

Popular Open Directory Sites

Some sites are well-known for hosting open directories. Archive.org is one of them, it contains a huge collection of digital content, from historical web pages, and books to multimedia. This site is a treasure trove for those who want to access archived web content.

The-Eye is another site that hosts various files, from software to multimedia content. This site is a good starting point for those who want to browse open directories.

Open Directory Communities

Joining online communities for open directory enthusiasts can add more to your experience and knowledge. Participating in a forum will give you a sense of community and allow you to share knowledge with other users. Members often share unique findings that are not widely known, so it's a good way to contribute to the collective knowledge.

Subreddits for open directories give you instant access to the latest tools and resources shared by other enthusiasts. Joining a focused online group can lead to collaborative projects where enthusiasts work together to curate and archive valuable data.

Here at Hunt.io, we've built a vibrant community of threat hunters. Get in touch with us to join our Slack user group to connect with like-minded professionals, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for essential insights on threat hunting through open directories.

Security Tips for Open Directories

Security should always come first when dealing with open directories. Here's how to stay safe:

1. Scan Downloads for Malware

   Use a reliable antivirus program to scan files downloaded from open directories. This ensures that malicious files are identified and blocked before they can harm your system.

2. Verify File Integrity

   Use checksum tools like MD5 or SHA256 to verify the integrity of files you download. This helps confirm the file hasn't been altered or tampered with.

3. For Website Owners: Prevent Open Directory Listings

   Website owners can take steps to avoid exposing sensitive information:

4. Disable Directory Indexing: Configure the server to disallow directory listings. For example, in Apache, add this line to your .htaccess file:
   Options -Indexes

5. Limit File Permissions: Use proper file and folder permissions to restrict access. Sensitive files like .htpasswd, SSH keys, or configuration files should never be stored in publicly accessible directories.

6. Monitor and Audit: Regularly review your server for exposed directories or sensitive files that shouldn't be accessible to the public. Remove or secure them immediately.

7. Set Up Access Controls: If directories must be protected, consider adding password protection (e.g., .htpasswd) or restricting access by IP address.

Related Questions

What are open directories?

Open directories are file collections on the Internet that are not password protected, anyone can browse and download various files. It's like a public folder where you can find a mix of content waiting to be discovered!

How to find open directories using Google?

You can find open directories on Google by using the search query 'intitle:"index of"' and 'inurl:' to specify the directory you are looking for. Just modify those search terms to get the best result!

What are Google Dorks?

Google Dorks are advanced search queries that can help you find specific content indexed by Google, like open directories. It's a cool tool to dig deeper online!

How to download from open directories using command line tools?

You can use command line tools like cURL or Wget to download files from open directories. Just use their respective commands to get the files!

How can I find malicious software in open directories?

Use AttackCapture™, a powerful feature from Hunt.io that allows you to detect and investigate open directories across remote server infrastructure. 

Summary

Open directories often contain ebooks, music, software, movies, and more. While these directories can be a useful resource for downloading files using Google search, Google Dorks, and command line tools, they also have a dark side. Threat actors frequently exploit open directories to host and distribute malicious software, making them a significant risk for unsuspecting users.

Elevate your security with AttackCapture™-a powerful feature designed to help you uncover and mitigate potential cyber threats lurking within exposed directories before they can cause harm. Book your demo today.