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Nirvana EL edited this page Dec 10, 2023 · 2 revisions

In the realm of penetration testing, understanding the technology stack of a web application is crucial for crafting effective attack strategies. Detecting the underlying technologies can provide valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities and inform the testing approach. Several techniques can be employed to unravel the technological tapestry of a web application. Analyzing the HTML source code for distinctive patterns, inspecting HTTP headers, scrutinizing URL structures, and leveraging specialized fingerprinting tools are some of the key methods. Furthermore, examining error pages, recognizing framework-specific artifacts, and utilizing online services like BuiltWith contribute to a comprehensive approach. It's essential to bear in mind that these methods are not always foolproof, and a nuanced understanding of multiple technologies may be required for accurate identification. By mastering the art of technology detection, penetration testers can navigate the intricate landscape of web applications, enhancing the effectiveness of their security assessments.

ASP.NET:

Microsoft's web application framework. File Extensions: .aspx, .asax

To determine if a web application is built using ASP.NET, you can look for other indicators:

  • View Page Source:

Inspect the HTML source code of the web pages. ASP.NET applications often generate HTML containing references to ASP.NET-specific elements and controls.

  • Server Response Headers:

Check the HTTP response headers for clues about the web server and framework in use. Look for headers like "X-Powered-By" or "Server."

  • URL Structure:

Examine the URLs of the web pages. ASP.NET applications may have URLs with ".aspx" extensions, but this is not exclusive to ASP.NET.

  • Form Actions and Postbacks:

Look at the form actions and postbacks in the HTML forms. ASP.NET applications typically use the "__VIEWSTATE" parameter for maintaining the state of controls.

  • URL Query Parameters:

Check for query parameters in the URLs, as ASP.NET applications often use parameters for data exchange.

  • Error Messages:

Observe error messages or stack traces that may reveal the underlying technology.

  • Cookies and Session Handling:

Inspect cookies and session handling mechanisms, as they may provide insights into the framework in use.

PHP:

Server-side scripting language. File Extensions: .php

Identifying the use of PHP in a web application can be done through various methods:

  • File Extensions:

PHP files typically have a .php extension. Check the URLs for file extensions in the web application.

  • Page Source:

View the page source of a web page (right-click and choose "View Page Source" in most browsers) and look for PHP code snippets, which are enclosed within tags.

  • URL Structure:

URLs containing parameters and ending with .php (e.g., example.com/page.php?id=123) may suggest the use of PHP.

  • Error Messages:

Sometimes, error messages or stack traces may reveal the underlying technology, including PHP.

  • HTTP Response Headers:

Check the HTTP response headers. Some servers include the X-Powered-By header, which may indicate the server-side technology in use.

  • Server Signature:

If you have access to the server, check the server signature in the response headers, which might reveal the server software and version.

  • CMS Indicators:

Certain content management systems (CMS), like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, are built with PHP. If the web application uses such CMS, it's likely PHP is involved.

  • Interactivity:

PHP is a server-side scripting language, so look for dynamic and interactive features on the website, as they often involve server-side processing.

Java (Servlets, JSP):

Java-based web technologies. File Extensions: .jsp, .java

determine if a web application is built using Java technologies:

  • File Extensions:

Java Servlets typically use the .java extension for source code and the .class extension for compiled code. JSP files have a .jsp extension.

  • URL Structure:

Check for URLs with patterns like .do, .jsp, or /servlet/, which might indicate the use of Java technologies.

  • Page Source:

View the page source and look for references to Java-related tags or syntax, such as jsp:... for JSP or for Servlet configuration.

  • Server Response Headers:

Check the Server header in the HTTP response, as it might indicate a Java-based server, such as Apache Tomcat or Jetty.

  • Error Messages:

Examine error messages and stack traces for Java-related information, including class names, package names, or Java exceptions.

  • Java-specific Paths:

Some Java-based web applications expose paths related to Java technologies. For example, paths containing /WEB-INF/ or /META-INF/ might suggest Java.

  • CMS Indicators:

Certain content management systems (CMS) and frameworks, such as Apache Struts, Spring MVC, or Java-based CMS solutions, may reveal the use of Java.

  • Interactivity and Form Submission:

Java technologies are often used for server-side processing of interactive features. Look for forms with actions pointing to Java-related URLs.

  • Frameworks and Libraries:

Java web applications commonly use frameworks like Spring, Struts, or JavaServer Faces (JSF). Check for references to these frameworks in the source code. Server Logs:

Examine server logs for information about the server technology and deployed applications.

Ruby on Rails:

Ruby-based web framework. Conventions: Follows the MVC architecture.

determine if a web application is using Ruby on Rails:

  • URL Structure:

RoR applications often use a distinctive URL structure, including paths like /controller/action. Check for URLs that follow this pattern.

  • File Extensions:

Look for files with extensions such as .rb (Ruby source code) and .erb (Embedded Ruby) in the source code.

  • Response Headers:

Examine the Server header in the HTTP response, as it might reveal the use of Ruby on Rails. Common server names include Phusion Passenger or Unicorn.

  • Rails-Specific Paths:

RoR applications commonly expose paths related to Rails-specific components, such as /config/, /app/, or /public/.

  • HTML Source Code:

Inspect the HTML source code for evidence of RoR-specific tags, such as <%= ... %> for Embedded Ruby.

  • Gems and Dependencies:

Check for the presence of a Gemfile or Gemfile.lock in the application's directory. These files are used by RoR to manage dependencies.

  • Routing Configuration:

RoR applications define routes in a config/routes.rb file. Look for this file to get insights into the application's URL routing.

  • Error Messages:

Error messages and stack traces may contain references to Ruby classes or modules, providing clues about the underlying technology.

  • Application Structure:

RoR follows a convention-over-configuration paradigm, and its applications have a specific directory structure. Look for directories like app/, config/, db/, and others.

  • Rails Console:

Some RoR applications expose a Rails console, which can be accessed by appending /rails/console or similar to the application's URL.

  • JavaScript and Asset Pipeline:

RoR includes an asset pipeline for managing JavaScript and CSS files. Look for references to asset pipeline features in the source code.

  • ORM (Object-Relational Mapping):

RoR commonly uses ActiveRecord as its ORM. Check for models and database-related configurations in the source code.

Django:

Python-based web framework. Conventions: Follows the MVC architecture.

determine if a web application is using Django:

  • URL Patterns:

Django follows a specific URL pattern structure. Look for URLs that include patterns like /app_name/ or /view_name/.

  • Django Admin Panel:

Django applications often have an admin panel accessible at /admin/. Try accessing this path to see if it leads to a Django admin login page.

  • Response Headers:

Check the Server header in the HTTP response, as it might reveal the use of Django. Common server names include Gunicorn or uWSGI.

  • File Extensions:

Look for Python-specific files with extensions like .py and Django template files with extensions like .html.

  • Django-Specific Paths:

Django applications commonly expose paths related to Django-specific components, such as /media/, /static/, or /templates/.

  • Django Settings Module:

Django applications have a settings.py file that contains configuration information. Look for this file in the application's directory.

  • Django ORM Models:

Django uses its Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) system for database interactions. Look for models defined in files within the models directory.

  • Presence of manage.py:

Django applications include a manage.py script at the root. Check for the existence of this file.

  • Django Middleware:

Django applications may use middleware components for various purposes. Check for middleware configurations in the settings.py file.

  • Debug Mode Information:

If the application is running in debug mode, error pages may contain detailed information indicating the use of Django.

  • Request Headers:

Django applications often include headers like X-Frame-Options and X-Content-Type-Options. Check for these headers in the HTTP response.

  • Database Configuration:

Examine the database configuration in the settings.py file. Django typically uses a configuration section for database settings.

  • Dependency Files:

Check for the presence of a requirements.txt file, which is commonly used in Django projects to list dependencies.

  • Django Debug Toolbar:

Some Django applications use the Django Debug Toolbar. Look for references to it in the source code or HTML responses.

Express.js:

Web application framework for Node.js. JavaScript-based.

determine if a web application is using Express.js:

  • Server Headers:

Check the Server header in the HTTP response. Express.js applications often include "Express" in the server name.

  • Route Patterns:

Express.js applications define routes using specific patterns. Look for routes defined with functions like app.get(), app.post(), etc., in JavaScript files.

  • Static File Serving:

Express.js serves static files using the express.static middleware. Look for paths like /public/ or /static/ that might indicate static file serving.

  • Middleware Configuration:

Express.js applications use middleware for various purposes. Check for middleware configurations in the main JavaScript file (e.g., app.js or server.js).

  • Presence of app.js or server.js:

Express.js applications typically have a main entry file named app.js or server.js. Look for the existence of these files.

  • Template Engine Usage:

Express.js often integrates with template engines like EJS or Pug. Look for views or templates with file extensions such as .ejs or .pug.

  • Error Handling:

Express.js applications handle errors in a specific way. Check for error handling middleware and configurations.

  • Dependency Files:

Check for the presence of a package.json file, which includes dependencies for Node.js applications. Look for dependencies like express.

  • Use of express Module:

Look for the use of the express module in the JavaScript code.

  • Presence of node_modules:

Express.js applications include a node_modules directory that contains installed modules. Check for the existence of this directory.

  • Listening for Connections:

Look for code that calls the app.listen() method, indicating that the application is configured to listen for incoming connections.

  • Logging Middleware:

Express.js applications may use logging middleware to log requests and responses. Check for logging configurations in the code.

  • Session Middleware:

Express.js applications often use session middleware for handling user sessions. Check for session middleware configurations.

  • Authentication Middleware:

If the application includes user authentication, look for middleware or routes related to user login and authentication.

Flask:

Lightweight web framework for Python. determine if a web application is using Flask:

  • Server Headers:

Check the Server header in the HTTP response. Flask applications might include "Werkzeug" or "Flask" in the server name.

  • URL Patterns:

Flask applications define routes using specific URL patterns. Look for routes defined with functions like @app.route('/') or @app.route('/some_path') in Python files.

  • Template Engine Usage:

Flask often integrates with template engines like Jinja2. Look for HTML templates with file extensions such as .html or .jinja.

  • Dependency Files:

Check for the presence of a requirements.txt file, which includes dependencies for Python applications. Look for dependencies like Flask.

  • Presence of app.py or application.py:

Flask applications typically have a main entry file named app.py or application.py. Look for the existence of these files.

  • Static File Serving:

Flask serves static files using the static folder. Look for paths like /static/ that might indicate static file serving.

  • Presence of templates Folder:

Flask applications store templates in a folder named templates. Check for the existence of this folder.

  • Use of Flask Module:

Look for the use of the Flask module in the Python code.

  • Listening for Connections:

Look for code that calls the app.run() method, indicating that the Flask application is configured to run and listen for incoming connections.

  • Middleware Configuration:

Flask applications may use middleware for various purposes. Check for middleware configurations, especially those related to request and response handling.

  • Error Handling:

Flask applications handle errors in a specific way. Check for error handling configurations in the code.

  • Logging Configuration:

Look for code that configures logging, especially if it uses Flask's built-in logging features.

  • Blueprints Usage:

Flask applications may use Blueprints for organizing routes and views. Look for code that uses the Blueprint class.

  • Session Handling:

Flask applications often include code for session handling. Check for configurations related to user sessions.

  • Middleware for Authentication:

If the application includes user authentication, look for middleware or routes related to user login and authentication.

AngularJS / Angular:

JavaScript-based front-end framework.

determine if a web application is using Angular:

AngularJS (1.x):

  • JavaScript Files:

Look for JavaScript files that include the term "angular.js" or "angular.min.js." AngularJS applications typically include the AngularJS library.

  • ng- Attributes:

Inspect the HTML source code for attributes prefixed with "ng-," such as "ng-app," "ng-controller," etc. These are common in AngularJS applications.

  • Module and Controller Definitions:

AngularJS applications define modules and controllers. Look for JavaScript files with code defining modules using angular.module and controllers using controller functions.

  • Directives:

AngularJS uses directives extensively. Check for HTML elements with attributes like "ng-repeat," "ng-model," or custom directives.

  • Dependency Injection:

AngularJS employs dependency injection. Look for functions or components that accept injected dependencies as arguments.

  • Routing Configuration:

AngularJS applications often use the "ngRoute" module for routing. Check for route configurations in JavaScript files.

  • Use of $scope:

Look for the use of $scope in JavaScript code. AngularJS uses $scope for data binding between controllers and views. Angular (2 and above):

  • TypeScript or ES6/ES2015:

Angular applications are often developed using TypeScript or ES6/ES2015. Look for TypeScript files (.ts) or JavaScript files with modern ECMAScript syntax.

  • Angular CLI:

Angular projects are commonly set up using the Angular CLI (Command Line Interface). Check for files like angular.json or angular-cli.json.

  • Module and Component Decorators:

Angular applications define modules and components using decorators. Look for TypeScript or JavaScript files with code annotated by @NgModule and @Component decorators.

  • RxJS:

Angular relies on Reactive Extensions for JavaScript (RxJS) for handling asynchronous operations. Look for imports or usage of RxJS in the code.

  • Angular Directives:

Inspect the HTML source code for attributes like "ngIf," "ngFor," and other Angular directives.

  • Dependency Injection:

Angular continues to use dependency injection. Look for components and services that accept dependencies through constructor injection.

  • Angular Router:

Angular applications use the Angular Router for navigation. Check for router configurations and usage in the code.

  • Angular Services:

Services play a crucial role in Angular applications. Look for the definition and usage of services in the code.

  • Angular Pipes:

Angular introduces pipes for transforming data in templates. Check for the use of pipes in HTML templates.

React:

JavaScript library for building user interfaces.

determine if a web application is using React:

React:

  • JavaScript Files:

Look for JavaScript files that include the React library. Common filenames include "react.js," "react.min.js," or files with "react" in their names.

  • JSX Syntax:

React uses JSX syntax, an XML-like syntax extension for JavaScript. Look for files containing JSX code, typically with a .jsx or .tsx extension.

  • ReactDOM:

React applications often include the ReactDOM library for rendering components into the DOM. Search for references to ReactDOM.render in the code.

  • Component-Based Structure:

React follows a component-based architecture. Inspect the code for the definition of React components using React.createClass (for class components) or function/const (for functional components).

  • Props and State Usage:

Check for the use of props and state in components. React components manage their internal state and receive data through props.

  • Virtual DOM:

React utilizes a virtual DOM to efficiently update the actual DOM. Look for references to the virtual DOM, such as React.createElement and diffing strategies.

  • Lifecycle Methods:

React components have lifecycle methods. Search for methods like componentDidMount or componentDidUpdate in the code.

  • React Router:

React applications commonly use React Router for client-side routing. Check for the presence of React Router configurations.

  • Redux or Context API:

State management in React is often handled using Redux or the Context API. Look for Redux-related files, such as "redux.js," or check for the use of React.createContext for context-based state management.

  • React Hooks:

Modern React applications use hooks for state and side-effect management. Check for the usage of hooks like useState and useEffect in functional components.

  • JSX Attributes:

Inspect JSX code for React-specific attributes such as className (for CSS classes) instead of class and event handlers like onClick and onChange.

  • React DevTools:

Check if the application has React DevTools enabled in the browser. React DevTools is a browser extension that provides insights into React components.

Vue.js:

JavaScript framework for building user interfaces.

determine if a web application is using Vue.js:

Vue.js:

  • JavaScript Files:

Look for JavaScript files that include the Vue.js library. Common filenames include "vue.js," "vue.min.js," or files with "vue" in their names.

  • Vue Instance:

Vue.js applications start by creating a Vue instance. Search for code that initializes a new Vue instance using new Vue({...}).

  • Vue Components:

Vue.js follows a component-based architecture. Inspect the code for the definition of Vue components using Vue.component or single-file component (*.vue) declarations.

  • Vue Directives:

Check for the use of Vue directives in the HTML code. Vue directives start with the v- prefix, such as v-bind, v-model, or v-for.

  • Vue Templates:

Vue.js uses templates to define the HTML structure of components. Look for HTML templates within the code, especially those enclosed in

  • Vue Router:

Vue.js applications often use Vue Router for client-side routing. Check for the presence of Vue Router configurations, including routes and navigation.

  • VueX:

State management in Vue.js is typically handled using VueX. Look for the presence of VueX-related files, such as "vuex.js," or check for the use of Vue.use(Vuex).

  • Vue Directives:

Vue.js directives are used for dynamic behavior in the DOM. Look for directives like v-if, v-show, and v-on in the HTML code.

  • Vue DevTools:

Check if the application has Vue DevTools enabled in the browser. Vue DevTools is a browser extension that provides insights into Vue components.

  • Vue CLI Configurations:

If the application was created using Vue CLI, check for configuration files such as "vue.config.js" and the presence of Vue CLI-specific files and folders.

  • Vue Single-File Components:

Vue.js allows developers to define components in single files with the ".vue" extension. Look for files with this extension containing template, script, and style sections.

  • Vue Custom Directives:

Check for the use of custom directives in the code. Vue.js allows developers to create custom directives for specific behavior.

Laravel:

PHP web framework.

  • Directory Structure:

Laravel projects have a distinct directory structure. Look for directories such as "app," "config," "routes," "public," and others that are typical in Laravel applications.

  • Composer Files:

Laravel projects use Composer for dependency management. Check for the presence of a "composer.json" file and the "vendor" directory.

  • Artisan Commands:

Laravel comes with a command-line tool called Artisan. Check for the presence of Artisan commands in the project, such as php artisan serve or php artisan migrate.

  • Blade Templates:

Laravel uses the Blade templating engine. Look for Blade template files with the ".blade.php" extension in the "resources/views" directory.

  • Routing:

Laravel uses a routing system. Check for the presence of route definitions in the "routes" directory, particularly in the "web.php" or "api.php" files.

  • Eloquent ORM:

Laravel includes the Eloquent ORM for database interactions. Look for models in the "app" directory and check for database migrations in the "database/migrations" directory.

  • Middleware:

Laravel applications often use middleware for handling HTTP requests. Inspect the "app/Http/Middleware" directory for custom middleware.

  • Configuration Files:

Laravel has various configuration files in the "config" directory. Look for files like "database.php," "app.php," and others.

  • Laravel Mix:

Laravel Mix is used for asset compilation and versioning. Check for a "webpack.mix.js" file and the "assets" directory.

  • Authentication:

Laravel provides a built-in authentication system. Check for the presence of authentication-related controllers, views, and routes.

  • Laravel Envoyer:

If Laravel Envoyer is used for deployment, you might find configurations related to Envoyer in the project.

  • Laravel Horizon:

Laravel Horizon is used for managing queues. Check for configurations related to Laravel Horizon if the application uses queues.

  • Laravel Nova:

Laravel Nova is an administration panel for Laravel applications. Look for Nova-related configurations and files if it's integrated.

  • Spring Boot:

Java-based framework for building production-ready applications.

  • Project Structure:

Spring Boot projects typically follow a standard project structure. Look for directories such as "src/main/java" for Java source code and "src/main/resources" for configuration files.

  • pom.xml or build.gradle:

Spring Boot projects are often built using Maven (pom.xml) or Gradle (build.gradle). Check for the presence of these files in the project's root directory.

  • @SpringBootApplication Annotation:

Spring Boot applications usually have a main class annotated with @SpringBootApplication. Search for a class with this annotation, which serves as the entry point for the application.

  • application.properties or application.yml:

Spring Boot uses configuration files such as application.properties or application.yml for application settings. Look for these files in the "src/main/resources" directory.

  • Embedded Server:

Spring Boot applications often use an embedded web server (e.g., Tomcat, Jetty, or Undertow). Check for dependencies related to embedded servers in the build file.

  • Spring MVC Controllers:

Inspect the source code for controllers annotated with @Controller or @RestController. These are the components responsible for handling HTTP requests.

  • Spring Data JPA:

If the application interacts with a database, Spring Boot may use Spring Data JPA. Look for entities, repositories, and database configurations.

  • Spring Security:

Spring Boot applications with security features might have configurations related to Spring Security. Check for classes annotated with @EnableWebSecurity or security-related settings.

  • Actuator Endpoints:

Spring Boot Actuator provides built-in endpoints for monitoring and managing applications. Check for the presence of Actuator endpoints, e.g., /actuator/health, /actuator/info, etc.

  • Logging Configuration:

Spring Boot applications often use the SLF4J logging framework. Look for logging configurations, such as logback.xml or log4j2.xml.

  • @Autowired and Dependency Injection:

Spring Boot applications leverage dependency injection. Look for classes annotated with @Autowired or @Service, indicating the use of Spring's dependency injection.

  • @RequestMapping Annotations:

Spring MVC controllers use @RequestMapping or newer annotations like @GetMapping, @PostMapping, etc. Search for these annotations in the source code.

  • Spring Boot Starter Dependencies:

Spring Boot simplifies dependency management with starter dependencies. Check the build file for dependencies like spring-boot-starter-web, spring-boot-starter-data-jpa, etc.

Symfony:

PHP framework.

  • Project Structure:

Spring Boot projects typically follow a standard project structure. Look for directories such as "src/main/java" for Java source code and "src/main/resources" for configuration files.

  • pom.xml or build.gradle:

Spring Boot projects are often built using Maven (pom.xml) or Gradle (build.gradle). Check for the presence of these files in the project's root directory.

  • @SpringBootApplication Annotation:

Spring Boot applications usually have a main class annotated with @SpringBootApplication. Search for a class with this annotation, which serves as the entry point for the application.

  • application.properties or application.yml:

Spring Boot uses configuration files such as application.properties or application.yml for application settings. Look for these files in the "src/main/resources" directory.

  • Embedded Server:

Spring Boot applications often use an embedded web server (e.g., Tomcat, Jetty, or Undertow). Check for dependencies related to embedded servers in the build file.

  • Spring MVC Controllers:

Inspect the source code for controllers annotated with @Controller or @RestController. These are the components responsible for handling HTTP requests.

  • Spring Data JPA:

If the application interacts with a database, Spring Boot may use Spring Data JPA. Look for entities, repositories, and database configurations.

  • Spring Security:

Spring Boot applications with security features might have configurations related to Spring Security. Check for classes annotated with @EnableWebSecurity or security-related settings.

  • Actuator Endpoints:

Spring Boot Actuator provides built-in endpoints for monitoring and managing applications. Check for the presence of Actuator endpoints, e.g., /actuator/health, /actuator/info, etc.

  • Logging Configuration:

Spring Boot applications often use the SLF4J logging framework. Look for logging configurations, such as logback.xml or log4j2.xml.

  • @Autowired and Dependency Injection:

Spring Boot applications leverage dependency injection. Look for classes annotated with @Autowired or @Service, indicating the use of Spring's dependency injection.

  • @RequestMapping Annotations:

Spring MVC controllers use @RequestMapping or newer annotations like @GetMapping, @PostMapping, etc. Search for these annotations in the source code.

  • Spring Boot Starter Dependencies:

Spring Boot simplifies dependency management with starter dependencies. Check the build file for dependencies like spring-boot-starter-web, spring-boot-starter-data-jpa, etc.

CodeIgniter:

PHP framework.

  • Folder Structure:

CodeIgniter has a specific folder structure. Look for directories like application/ for application-specific code, system/ for the CodeIgniter system files, and public/ or htdocs/ for the web server's root.

  • index.php File:

CodeIgniter typically has an index.php file in the root directory. This file serves as the main entry point for the application.

  • Configuration Files:

CodeIgniter uses configuration files in the application/config/ directory. Look for files like config.php, database.php, and routes.php.

  • Controller Classes:

Controllers in CodeIgniter are usually located in the application/controllers/ directory. Look for classes with names like Welcome.php or others.

  • Views:

Views in CodeIgniter are stored in the application/views/ directory. Check for the presence of this directory and associated view files.

  • Routing:

CodeIgniter's routing is often configured in the application/config/routes.php file. Examine this file for route definitions.

  • Models:

Models in CodeIgniter are stored in the application/models/ directory. Look for model classes and their usage.

  • Helpers and Libraries:

CodeIgniter includes helper functions and libraries. Check for the usage of functions like base_url(), and look for the application/helpers/ and application/libraries/ directories.

  • URI Segments:

CodeIgniter uses URI segments for routing. Inspect the URLs to see if they follow the CodeIgniter convention.

  • Autoloading:

CodeIgniter supports autoloading of classes. Check for configurations related to autoloading in application/config/autoload.php.

  • Database Configuration:

If the application interacts with a database, CodeIgniter's database configuration is typically found in application/config/database.php.

  • Error Handling:

CodeIgniter provides error handling. Check for configurations related to error handling in application/config/config.php.

  • URL Helper Functions:

CodeIgniter has URL-related helper functions. Look for the use of functions like site_url() and base_url().

  • CodeIgniter Logo:

Sometimes, developers leave the CodeIgniter logo or mention in the application's HTML source code.

  • CodeIgniter Version:

Check for the presence of the system/core/CodeIgniter.php file and inspect it for version information.

  • Profiler:

CodeIgniter has a built-in profiler for debugging. If enabled, it may appear at the bottom of the page during development.

Node.js:

JavaScript runtime for server-side development.

  • Package.json:

Node.js applications typically have a package.json file in the root directory. This file includes metadata about the project and its dependencies.

  • Node Modules:

Look for a node_modules directory, which contains the project's dependencies.

  • app.js or server.js:

The main entry point for a Node.js application is often named app.js or server.js.

  • Express.js:

If the application uses the Express.js framework, you might find express listed as a dependency in the package.json file.

  • npm Commands:

Check for the usage of npm commands in the project, such as npm start or npm run-script.

  • Routing:

Node.js applications, especially those using Express.js, define routes in the code. Look for route definitions in the main application file.

  • Middleware:

Middleware functions in Express.js are used for various purposes. Check for middleware configurations in the code.

  • Template Engines:

If the application renders views, it might use a template engine like EJS or Handlebars. Check for related dependencies in package.json.

  • WebSocket Usage:

Node.js is often used for real-time applications with technologies like WebSocket. Check for WebSocket-related code or dependencies.

  • Async/Await or Promises:

Node.js applications commonly use asynchronous programming with async/await or Promises. Look for these patterns in the code.

  • Command-Line Scripts:

Node.js applications may include command-line scripts. Check for scripts defined in the package.json file.

  • Logging Statements:

Look for console.log statements in the code, which developers often use for debugging in Node.js.

  • Error Handling:

Node.js applications handle errors using try/catch or middleware. Inspect the code for error handling mechanisms.

  • WebSocket Libraries:

If the application involves WebSocket communication, check for the usage of libraries like socket.io.

  • JSON API Endpoints:

Node.js applications might expose JSON-based API endpoints. Check for routes that return JSON responses.

  • Node.js Logo or Mention:

Sometimes, developers include the Node.js logo or mention it in the application's HTML or source code.

  • Environmental Variables:

Node.js applications often use environmental variables for configuration. Look for their usage in the code.

  • Server Port:

Check for code that specifies the port on which the Node.js server listens.

WordPress:

Content Management System (CMS) based on PHP and MySQL.

  • /wp-admin/:

WordPress admin panel is usually accessible at /wp-admin/ or /admin/.

  • /wp-content/:

WordPress stores themes, plugins, and uploads in the /wp-content/ directory.

  • Readme.html:

WordPress installations often include a readme.html file in the root directory.

  • /wp-includes/:

Core WordPress files are stored in the /wp-includes/ directory.

  • wp-config.php:

The WordPress configuration file is named wp-config.php and is located in the root directory.

  • /wp-content/themes/:

WordPress themes are stored in the /wp-content/themes/ directory.

  • /wp-content/plugins/:

Plugins are stored in the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.

  • Meta Tags:

Check the HTML meta tags for generator information. WordPress often includes a generator meta tag like .

  • Robots.txt:

Look for a robots.txt file in the root directory that may reveal the use of WordPress.

  • License Information:

Check for license information and credits in the website's footer or source code.

  • WordPress Comments:

Some WordPress installations may have comments in the HTML source code indicating the use of WordPress.

  • Login Page:

The default login page is usually located at /wp-login.php.

  • Permalinks Structure:

WordPress often uses a specific permalink structure. URLs may include /year/month/post-name/.

  • XML-RPC Endpoint:

WordPress installations have an XML-RPC endpoint, typically located at /xmlrpc.php.

  • wp-json Endpoint:

The REST API endpoint is usually at /wp-json/.

  • Database Prefix:

By default, WordPress uses a database table prefix like wp_.

  • WordPress-Specific Files:

Check for files like license.txt, wp-trackback.php, wp-cron.php, and wp-mail.php.

  • Theme and Plugin Stylesheets:

Look for stylesheets in the source code that are specific to WordPress themes and plugins.

  • Wordfence or Other Security Plugins:

Some WordPress sites use security plugins like Wordfence. Check for signs of these plugins.

  • WordPress-Specific JavaScript Files:

WordPress may load JavaScript files like wp-embed.min.js and wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery.js.

  • Joomla:

PHP-based CMS.

  • /administrator/:

Joomla admin panel is usually accessible at /administrator/ or /admin/.

  • /components/:

Joomla extensions (components) are stored in the /components/ directory.

  • /modules/:

Modules are stored in the /modules/ directory.

  • /plugins/:

Plugins are stored in the /plugins/ directory.

  • /templates/:

Joomla templates are stored in the /templates/ directory.

  • Joomla Version in Meta Tags:

Check the HTML meta tags for generator information. Joomla often includes a generator meta tag like .

  • /templates/system/:

Joomla system templates are stored in the /templates/system/ directory.

  • /media/:

Media files may be stored in the /media/ directory.

  • Configuration Files:

Joomla configuration files may include configuration.php.

  • SEF URLs:

Joomla often uses Search Engine Friendly (SEF) URLs.

  • Database Prefix:

By default, Joomla uses a database table prefix like jos_.

  • Joomla-Specific JavaScript Files:

Look for JavaScript files like media/system/js/mootools-core.js associated with Joomla.

  • Joomla-Specific CSS Classes:

Inspect the source code for CSS classes that are specific to Joomla.

  • XML-RPC Endpoint:

Joomla installations may have an XML-RPC endpoint, though it's less common than in WordPress.

  • /language/:

Joomla language files are stored in the /language/ directory.

  • Favicons and Icons:

Joomla sites might use specific favicon and icon files.

  • Joomla-Specific Images:

Some images used in Joomla sites may be specific to the Joomla framework.

  • Joomla-Specific PHP Files:

Check for PHP files specific to Joomla, such as index.php.

  • Third-Party Extensions:

Look for signs of popular Joomla extensions, such as VirtueMart, K2, or JCE.

  • Joomla Debugging Information:

Joomla debug information might be present in the source code or HTML comments.

Drupal:

PHP-based CMS.

  • /admin/:

Drupal admin panel is typically accessible at /admin/ or /user/login.

  • /modules/:

Drupal modules are stored in the /modules/ directory.

  • /themes/:

Drupal themes are stored in the /themes/ directory.

  • /sites/:

Drupal site-specific configuration files are often stored in the /sites/ directory.

  • Drupal Version in Meta Tags:

Check the HTML meta tags for generator information. Drupal often includes a generator meta tag like .

  • /includes/:

Drupal includes directory may contain core files.

  • /profiles/:

Drupal profiles are stored in the /profiles/ directory.

  • /libraries/:

Some Drupal installations may use the /libraries/ directory for external libraries.

  • Configuration Files:

Drupal configuration files may include settings.php or other files in the /sites/ directory.

  • Drupal-Specific JavaScript Files:

Look for JavaScript files associated with Drupal core, such as misc/drupal.js.

  • Drupal-Specific CSS Classes:

Inspect the source code for CSS classes that are specific to Drupal.

  • Database Tables Prefix:

By default, Drupal uses a database table prefix like drupal_.

  • XML-RPC Endpoint:

Some Drupal installations may have an XML-RPC endpoint, though it's less common than in WordPress.

  • /includes/bootstrap.inc:

Drupal core includes the bootstrap.inc file.

  • Favicons and Icons:

Drupal sites might use specific favicon and icon files.

  • Drupal-Specific PHP Files:

Check for PHP files specific to Drupal, such as index.php.

  • Drupal Debugging Information:

Drupal debug information might be present in the source code or HTML comments.

  • Third-Party Modules:

Look for signs of popular Drupal modules, such as Views, CCK, or Pathauto.

  • Drupal Console Output:

Drupal console output might reveal information about the Drupal version and configuration.

  • Drupal-Specific Images:

Some images used in Drupal sites may be specific to the Drupal framework.

ASP.NET Core:

Cross-platform, high-performance framework by Microsoft.

  • File Extensions:

ASP.NET Core applications often use file extensions like .cshtml for Razor views.

  • Project Structure:

ASP.NET Core projects typically follow a specific structure with folders like Controllers, Views, and Models.

  • Startup Class:

Look for a Startup class in the project, which is a convention used in ASP.NET Core.

  • wwwroot Directory:

Static files and client-side assets are commonly stored in the wwwroot directory.

  • Use of Middleware:

ASP.NET Core uses middleware components, and their configuration can often be found in the Startup class.

  • Dependency Injection:

ASP.NET Core heavily uses dependency injection, and its usage can be identified in the code.

  • ASP.NET Core MVC:

Check for the presence of ASP.NET Core MVC-related files and folders, such as Controllers, Views, and wwwroot.

  • Project File (.csproj):

Inspect the project file (.csproj) for references to ASP.NET Core packages and frameworks.

  • Configuration Files:

Look for configuration files such as appsettings.json commonly used in ASP.NET Core.

  • wwwroot/lib Directory:

Client-side libraries and dependencies may be stored in the wwwroot/lib directory.

  • Use of ASP.NET Core NuGet Packages:

Check for references to ASP.NET Core-related NuGet packages in the project file.

  • Middleware Configuration in Startup.cs:

Middleware configuration, such as routing and authentication, is often done in the Startup.cs file.

FastAPI:

Modern, fast (high-performance), web framework for building APIs with Python.

  • Python Language:

FastAPI applications are written in Python.

  • Type Hints:

FastAPI heavily uses Python type hints for defining the data types of parameters and request/response bodies.

  • FastAPI Import:

Look for imports related to FastAPI, such as from fastapi import FastAPI.

  • Route Decorators:

FastAPI uses route decorators (@app.get(...), @app.post(...), etc.) to define API routes.

  • Dependency Injection:

FastAPI supports dependency injection, and you may find functions with dependencies injected into them.

  • Pydantic Models:

Pydantic models are often used for request and response validation in FastAPI applications.

  • Async and Await Keywords:

FastAPI supports asynchronous programming, so you may see extensive use of async and await keywords.

  • APIRouter:

FastAPI applications may use APIRouter instances to organize routes into separate modules.

  • OpenAPI and Swagger Documentation:

FastAPI automatically generates OpenAPI and Swagger documentation, which can be accessed at /docs and /redoc endpoints.

  • Dependency Management:

FastAPI applications typically use pip for package management.

  • FastAPI Middleware:

Look for the use of FastAPI middleware for tasks such as CORS handling.

  • Background Tasks:

FastAPI supports background tasks, so you may find code related to asynchronous background processing.

Flask:

Micro web framework for Python.

  • Python Language:

Flask applications are written in Python.

  • Flask Import:

Look for imports related to Flask, such as from flask import Flask.

  • App Initialization:

Flask applications typically involve creating an instance of the Flask class to represent the web application.

app = Flask(name)

  • Route Decorators:

Flask uses route decorators (@app.route(...)) to define endpoints and associate them with functions.

@app.route('/') def index(): return 'Hello, World!'

  • View Functions:

Flask uses view functions to handle HTTP requests and return responses.

  • Template Rendering:

Flask supports template rendering using Jinja2. Look for code that renders HTML templates.

  • Static Files:

Flask allows serving static files. Check for the handling of static files like CSS, JavaScript, and images.

  • Request and Session Handling:

Look for code that handles incoming requests and uses Flask's request object. Flask also supports session handling.

  • Flask Extensions:

Flask applications often use extensions for various functionalities, such as SQLAlchemy for database integration or Flask-WTF for form handling.

  • Middleware and Hooks:

Flask allows the use of middleware and hooks for tasks like authentication, error handling, etc.

  • Configuration:

Flask applications may include configuration settings, often set using app.config.

  • RESTful Patterns:

If the application follows RESTful principles, you may see patterns such as resource-based routing.

  • Dependency Injection:

Flask supports dependency injection. You may find instances where dependencies are injected into view functions.

Grails:

Groovy-based web application framework.

  • Inspecting Page Source:

Look for patterns in the HTML, such as class names, comments, or specific tags that are indicative of a particular framework. Check for script references or links to JavaScript libraries that are commonly associated with specific frameworks.

  • HTTP Headers:

Examine the HTTP headers returned by the server. Some frameworks include headers that reveal their presence.

  • URL Patterns:

Observe the URL patterns used in the application. For example, URLs ending in .php may indicate a PHP application, while those ending in .jsp may suggest a Java application.

  • Error Pages:

Examine error pages, which might reveal information about the underlying technology, especially in debug mode.

  • Fingerprinting Tools:

Use specialized tools or online services that perform server fingerprinting based on various characteristics of the server's responses.

  • BuiltWith and Similar Services:

Online services like BuiltWith (builtwith.com) can provide information about the technologies used by a website.

  • Framework-Specific Artifacts:

Some frameworks leave specific files or directories in the application structure. For example, Flask applications may have a templates directory.

  • CMS Identifiers:

Content Management Systems (CMS) often include meta tags or comments in the HTML source that indicate the CMS being used.

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