Bug bounty hunting is a lucrative and challenging skill where ethical hackers identify and report security vulnerabilities in organizations’ systems. With proper techniques and strategies, you can increase your chances of discovering high-impact bugs and earning substantial rewards. This guide will walk you through the entire bug bounty process like a pro.
Step 1: Choose the Right Bug Bounty Platform
There are several bug bounty platforms where companies list their programs. Some popular ones include:
- HackerOne: Large platform with programs from major corporations.
- Bugcrowd: Known for flexible programs and a growing community.
- Intigriti: European platform with competitive payouts.
- YesWeHack: A rising platform with global programs.
Pro Tip: Start by participating in public programs before applying for private ones to build credibility and trust.
Step 2: Select Your Target Wisely
When starting, focus on:
- Smaller programs: They have less competition, making it easier to find vulnerabilities.
- Technologies you know well: Leverage your existing knowledge of frameworks, APIs, or web technologies.
- Less crowded domains: Non-mainstream applications often have undiscovered bugs.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Shodan, Amass, or Subfinder to identify lesser-known subdomains of the target.
Step 3: Perform Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance (recon) is the foundation of bug hunting. The more information you gather, the higher your chances of finding vulnerabilities.
Tools for Recon:
- Subdomain Enumeration: Subfinder, Amass, Assetfinder
- Port Scanning: Nmap, Masscan
- Technology Detection: WhatWeb, Wappalyzer
- OSINT: theHarvester, Google Dorks
Pro Tip: Use automation scripts like reconFTW or ProjectDiscovery Nuclei to streamline recon.
Step 4: Identify Common Vulnerabilities
Start by checking for low-hanging fruits (common vulnerabilities) such as:
1. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Look for unescaped input fields that execute malicious JavaScript.
<script>alert(‘XSS’)</script>
Use XSS Hunter to detect blind XSS payloads.
2. SQL Injection (SQLi)
Inject malicious SQL queries to gain access to sensitive data.
‘ OR ‘1’=’1′ —
Use sqlmap to automate SQL injection detection.
3. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
Exploit server-side components to make unauthorized requests.
http://localhost/admin
Use Burp Suite to manipulate request parameters and test for SSRF.
4. Broken Authentication and Authorization
Test for missing or improper authentication mechanisms.
- Try logging in with weak credentials.
- Check for IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference) vulnerabilities.
Use tools like JWT_toolkit or AuthMatrix to automate auth-related checks.
Step 5: Use Automated Tools Wisely
While manual testing is crucial, automation can significantly speed up your workflow. Some essential tools include:
- Burp Suite: For intercepting and manipulating requests.
- ffuf: Fast web fuzzer for content discovery.
- Nuclei: Template-based vulnerability scanner.
- dirsearch: Directory and file enumeration tool.
Pro Tip: Always manually verify automated findings before submitting a report.
Step 6: Write a Clear and Concise Report
A well-structured report increases the chances of your vulnerability being accepted. Include:
- Title: A clear and descriptive name for the bug.
- Severity: Use CVSS scores to classify the severity (Low, Medium, High, Critical).
- Description: Explain the vulnerability and how it impacts the target.
- Steps to Reproduce: Provide a detailed step-by-step process to replicate the issue.
- Proof of Concept (PoC): Include screenshots, videos, or code snippets demonstrating the exploit.
Pro Tip: Use tools like obsidian.md or Typora to organize your reports neatly.
Step 7: Continuous Learning and Improvement
Bug bounty hunting is an ever-evolving field. Stay updated by:
- Following security researchers on Twitter and GitHub.
- Joining bug bounty forums and Discord servers.
- Taking part in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions.
- Reading write-ups from top hunters.
Pro Tip: Practice on platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, or PentesterLab to improve your skills.
