Bug Bounty 101

A bug bounty is a program where organizations reward individuals for discovering and reporting vulnerabilities or bugs in their software, systems, or networks. These programs are designed to incentivize ethical hackers and security researchers to find and disclose issues responsibly, helping the organization improve its security posture.

Key Aspects of Bug Bounty Programs:

Rewards: Participants typically receive monetary compensation or other benefits based on the severity and impact of the discovered vulnerability.Scope: Organizations define a clear scope, specifying which systems, applications, or domains are eligible for testing.Disclosure: Participants must follow the program’s rules for responsible disclosure, ensuring the vulnerability is reported securely and not exploited.Platforms: Companies often host their bug bounty programs on platforms like:
- HackerOne
- Bugcrowd
- Synack

Benefits for Organizations:

Strengthens security by leveraging a diverse pool of expertise.Prevents potential exploits by fixing vulnerabilities before they can be used maliciously.Builds trust and credibility by showing a proactive approach to security.

Benefits for Researchers:

Opportunity to earn money and recognition.Develops skills and builds a professional reputation in the cybersecurity field.

To excel as a bug bounty hunter or security researcher, it’s crucial to develop a strong set of technical and non-technical skills. Below is a list of must-have skills of this field:

Technical Skills

Networking Fundamentals:
- Understand protocols (HTTP, TCP/IP, DNS, etc.).
- Familiarity with firewalls, proxies, VPNs, and load balancers.Web Application Security:
- Learn OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities (e.g., XSS, SQL Injection, CSRF).
- Understand authentication, authorization, and session management.Programming & Scripting:
- Proficiency in languages like Python, JavaScript, PHP, or Ruby.
- Ability to read and write code to identify flaws and automate tasks.Reverse Engineering:
- Understand binary analysis, decompilation, and debugging.
- Tools: IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Radare2.Penetration Testing:
- Familiarity with tools like Burp Suite, Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit.
- Ability to perform manual and automated scans.Mobile Application Security:
- Analyze Android (Java/Kotlin) and iOS (Swift/Objective-C) apps.
- Use tools like Frida, MobSF, or apktool for testing.API Security:
- Learn to test REST and GraphQL APIs for vulnerabilities.
- Skills in crafting custom requests and analyzing responses.Cryptography Basics:
- Understand encryption methods and common flaws like weak ciphers or padding oracle attacks.

Non-Technical Skills

Problem-Solving:
- Think like an attacker and identify unconventional attack vectors.Attention to Detail:
- Spot subtle flaws in configurations, logic, or implementation.Communication:
- Write clear, concise, and detailed reports for discovered vulnerabilities.
- Follow responsible disclosure guidelines.Persistence & Patience:
- Many bugs require in-depth analysis, creativity, and time to uncover.Continuous Learning:
- Stay updated on the latest vulnerabilities, tools, and techniques by following resources like blogs, forums, and security communities.

Resources to Build These Skills

Courses:
- PortSwigger Academy (Web Security)
- TryHackMe
- Hack The BoxBooks:
- Web Application Hacker’s Handbook
- The Tangled Web by Michal ZalewskiPlatforms for Practice:
- Bug bounty platforms: HackerOne, Bugcrowd
- CTF platforms: CTFtime, OverTheWire

Crafting a strategy for finding vulnerabilities depends on the type of target (e.g., web apps, APIs, mobile apps) and the searcher skillset. Let’s break this into actionable steps for a general-purpose bug bounty strategy.

Step 1: Choose the Right Bug Bounty Program

Select a Platform:
Platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Intigriti host programs for organizations. Choose one that matches your skill level.Read the Program Scope:
Understand the in-scope targets (web apps, APIs, mobile apps, etc.) and out-of-scope areas to avoid wasting effort on prohibited systems.Understand Reward Criteria:
Focus on vulnerabilities that offer higher rewards (e.g., critical-impact bugs like RCE or SQL injection).

Step 2: Set Up Your Environment

Tools:
- Install tools like Burp Suite, Nmap, OWASP ZAP, Wireshark, and Postman.
- Use custom scripts in Python or Bash for automation.Lab Setup:
- Create a testing environment with virtual machines, Docker, or cloud instances to practice in a safe space.
- Use platforms like Hack The Box or TryHackMe to refine your skills.

Step 3: Perform Reconnaissance

Gather Information:
- Use tools like Sublist3r, Amass, or Aquatone to discover subdomains.
- Extract information using WHOIS, DNS reconnaissance, and Google Dorking.Analyze Endpoints:
- Test APIs with tools like Postman or Insomnia.
- Identify hidden endpoints or resources with ffuf or dirb.

Step 4: Identify Vulnerabilities

Manual Testing:
- Analyze input fields, parameters, and responses for vulnerabilities.
- Test for OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities (e.g., XSS, SQL Injection, CSRF).Automated Scanning:
- Run tools like Nmap, Nikto, or Burp Suite scanner to detect known vulnerabilities.Logic Flaws:
- Check for business logic vulnerabilities that scanners might miss, such as bypassing payment verification.

Step 5: Exploit and Validate Findings

Exploit Safely:
- Exploit vulnerabilities in accordance with the program’s rules to avoid damaging systems.
- Use tools like SQLmap, XSS Hunter, or Metasploit responsibly.Proof of Concept (PoC):
- Document your findings with clear steps to reproduce the vulnerability and provide screenshots or videos as evidence.

Step 6: Report the Vulnerability

Write a Clear Report:
Include:
Title: Concise description of the bug.
Description: Overview of the vulnerability and its impact.
Steps to Reproduce: Detailed steps for verification.
PoC: Attach evidence of the exploit.
Impact Analysis: Explain the security risk to the organization.Follow Responsible Disclosure:
Respect the program’s disclosure guidelines and avoid publicizing findings until authorized.

Step 7: Learn and Improve

Analyze Feedback:
Review feedback from the bug bounty platform or program maintainers to improve your methodology.Learn from Others:
Study write-ups from experienced researchers on platforms like Medium or security blogs.Practice Regularly:
Keep testing in Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges or vulnerable labs (e.g., DVWA, bWAPP, HackTheBox).