Kali Linux is a commonly chosen OS by hackers, security experts, and tech enthusiasts. Fully equipped when it comes to testing and security. Sometimes, you might have to deal with extra tools like GAU, which help find hidden links on the website. It is easy to install GAU on Kali; let me show you how.
What Is GAU?
GAU is a free tool that finds website URLs fast. It helps hackers and security experts spot hidden links, test for flaws, or gather data. Think of it as a super-fast detective for links.
You’ll love GAU if you work in cybersecurity or web testing. Let’s get it installed on your Kali Linux system.
Step 1: Update Your Kali Linux
Before installing any tool, update your system. Open the terminal and type:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
This ensures all software is current. It avoids errors during installation.
Step 2: Install Go Language
GAU is built with Go. Kali Linux doesn’t have Go pre-installed. Let’s add it.
Type these commands one by one:
sudo apt install golang -y
Wait for the install to finish. Check if Go works with:
go version
If you see a version number, you’re ready!
Step 3: Install GAU Tool
Now, install GAU using Go. Type this command:
go install github.com/lc/gau/v2/cmd/gau@latest
This downloads GAU from GitHub. Wait a few seconds.
Step 4: Move GAU to the Right Folder
After installing, GAU is saved in the Go folder. Move it to a system path so it runs anywhere.
Type:
sudo mv ~/go/bin/gau /usr/local/bin/
Now, test GAU by typing:
gau --help
If you see help text, GAU is installed!
How to Use GAU (Examples)
Let’s try GAU with real examples.
Basic Use:
Find all URLs for a website:
gau example.com
Replace “example.com” with any site. GAU lists all URLs fast.
Save Results to a File:
Save links to a text file:
gau example.com > urls.txt
Open “urls.txt” to review the links.
Filter Results:
Get only JavaScript files:
gau example.com | grep ".js"
This helps find scripts that might have flaws.
Why Use GAU?
GAU is faster than manual searches. It saves hours of work. Use it to:
- Find hidden website pages.
- Check for security risks.
- Collect data for research.
It’s perfect for bug hunters or anyone curious about web safety.
Troubleshooting Tips
- GAU Command Not Found?
Ensure you moved GAU to “/usr/local/bin/” (Step 4). - Go Installation Failed?
Reinstall Go withsudo apt install --reinstall golang
. - No URLs Found?
Check if the website blocks scraping. Try a different site.
Final Thoughts
GAU makes web scraping easy on Kali Linux. With just four steps, you’ll unlock a powerful tool for security tasks. Try the examples above and explore its features.
Got questions? Share your thoughts below! If this guide helped you, pass it to a friend.
FAQs
Q1: Why does GAU give an error during installation?
A1: Update Kali Linux first. Old software can cause errors.
Q2: Can I update GAU later?
A2: Yes! Run go install github.com/lc/gau/v2/cmd/gau@latest
again.
Q3: Are there alternatives to GAU?
A3: Tools like “Wayback Machine” or “Sublist3r” also find URLs. But GAU is faster for many users.