In cybersecurity, passive reconnaissance is often underestimated. Unlike active attacks, it doesn’t involve directly exploiting a system — instead, it quietly observes publicly available information. Yet, even without “touching” the target, passive recon can uncover serious security risks that organizations may overlook.
During a recent passive reconnaissance assessment on a leading travel booking platform (redacted for privacy), I stumbled upon a discovery that highlights the importance of data handling practices in URLs. Sensitive booking and payment metadata was being exposed through a parameter called RetToken.
I responsibly reported this issue through the platform’s bug bounty program. While the report was acknowledged, it was ultimately classified as “informative” rather than a security vulnerability. Still, the implications deserve attention — not just for this platform, but for any organization handling sensitive data online.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This research is for educational purposes only. The aim is to raise awareness, not to exploit…