dirsearch
dirsearch is a command-line web path scanner that brute-forces directories and files on a web server.
Legal & ethical use. Use this tool only on systems, networks and data that you own or have explicit written permission to test. Unauthorised access or scanning can break computer-misuse laws (for example Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and equivalents elsewhere). Practise in your own lab or in authorised environments such as CTFs.
What it is used for
- Find hidden paths in a CTF web challenge
- Check a staging server for exposed backup files
Key features
- Built-in wordlist
- Extension and recursion options
- Multiple report formats
Installation
Install from your distribution or clone the repository (Python).
Beginner usage guide
Start with specific extensions that match the technology (for example php) to keep the scan focused.
Example commands
Run these only against your own lab or authorised targets. Placeholder addresses such as 192.0.2.x are documentation ranges.
Scan with extensions
dirsearch -u http://127.0.0.1:8081 -e php,txt-e adds file extensions to try for each word.
References
Source verification
Last reviewed: 2026-10-27
Links checked over HTTP: 2026-10-27 07:51 UTC — official: 200, docs: 200, repo: 200
Command flags checked against the real binary dirsearch (dirsearch v0.4.3) on 2026-10-27.