8 Steps to Uncovering Insecure Direct Object References for Bug Bounty Hunters

Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) is a type of vulnerability that occurs when an application uses a direct object reference to access sensitive information. This can allow an attacker to access information that they should not have access to. In this article, we will discuss how to test for IDOR vulnerabilities and provide examples of payloads that can be used to exploit them.

Testing for IDOR vulnerabilities can be done by capturing the request, filtering the parameters, and tampering with them. The most widely used tool for this type of attack is Burp Suite. The following are the steps involved in executing an IDOR attack:

1. Capture the Request The first step in testing for IDOR vulnerabilities is to capture the request. This can be done using Burp Suite’s proxy feature.
2. Filter the Parameters Request Once the request has been captured, the next step is to filter the parameters. This can be done by looking for parameters that are used to retrieve a database record, perform an operation in the system, retrieve a file system resource, or access application functionality.
3. Forward Request to Repeater After filtering the parameters, the next step is to forward the request to the Repeater tool. This tool allows you to tamper with the parameters and see how the application responds.
4. Tampering of Parameters Once the request has been forwarded to the Repeater tool, the next step is to tamper with the parameters. This can be done by changing the value of a parameter and seeing how the application responds.
5. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Retrieve a Database Record One example of an IDOR vulnerability is when the value of a parameter is used directly to retrieve a database record. This can be exploited by changing the value of the parameter to access information that the attacker should not have access to.
6. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Perform an Operation in the System Another example of an IDOR vulnerability is when the value of a parameter is used directly to perform an operation in the system. This can be exploited by changing the value of the parameter to perform actions that the attacker should not have access to.
7. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Retrieve a File System Resource Another example of an IDOR vulnerability is when the value of a parameter is used directly to retrieve a file system resource. This can be exploited by changing the value of the parameter to access files that the attacker should not have access to.
8. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Access Application Functionality The final example of an IDOR vulnerability is when the value of a parameter is used directly to access application functionality. This can be exploited by changing the value of the parameter to access functionality that the attacker should not have access to.

Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) is a type of vulnerability that can be exploited by changing the value of a parameter. It is important for bug bounty hunters to be familiar with IDOR vulnerabilities and to know how to test for them. By understanding how they work, you’ll be better equipped to identify and report vulnerabilities on the websites and applications you’re testing.

7 Common Insecure Direct Object Reference Payloads to Watch Out For

1. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Retrieve a Database Record Example payload: Original parameter value: “user_id=1” Tampered parameter value: “user_id=2”

2. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Perform an Operation in the System Example payload Original parameter value: “action=view” Tampered parameter value: “action=delete”

3. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Retrieve a File System Resource Example payload Original parameter value: “file_name=document.pdf” Tampered parameter value: “file_name=confidential.txt”

4. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Access Application Functionality Example payload Original parameter value: “function=view_profile” Tampered parameter value: “function=change_password”

5. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Retrieve a Database Record Example payload Original parameter value: “employee_id=100” Tampered parameter value: “employee_id=101”

6. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Perform an Operation in the System Example payload Original parameter value: “command=stop” Tampered parameter value: “command=start”

7. The Value of a Parameter Is Used Directly to Retrieve a File System Resource Example payload Original parameter value: “image_name=image1.jpg” Tampered parameter value: “image_name=image2.jpg”

It’s important to note that these examples are for demonstration purposes only and may not necessarily reflect real-world scenarios. These payloads should be used for testing and research purposes only.

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