BUG BOUNTY HUNTING

Unlocking the Realm of Bug Bounty: A Comprehensive Roadmap

By Muazu S. Ahmed

In the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, vulnerability reward programs have emerged as a vital component in identifying and mitigating security flaws. As a seasoned infosec expert, I'm excited to share this exhaustive guide to help you embark on your bug bounty quest.

What is Bug Bounty?

Bug bounty, in simple terms, refers to the discovery and responsible disclosure of security vulnerabilities in software, websites, and applications. This collaborative approach between organizations and ethical hackers has revolutionized the way we address cybersecurity threats.

Getting Started

To succeed in bug bounty, focus on developing the following essential skills:

1. Internet protocols and networking fundamentals
2. Command-line interface expertise
3. Linux operating system proficiency
4. Web development technologies (JavaScript, PHP, Java)
5. Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, C, Java, Ruby)

Choose your specialization:

1. Web penetration testing and security
2. Mobile application security testing
3. Desktop application security

Valuable Resources

To deepen your knowledge, explore these invaluable resources:

Books:

1. Web Application Security Testing Handbook
2. Hacking 101: A Guide to Web Security
3. The Hacker's Handbook (Volumes 1-3)
4. The Art of Exploitation: A Guide to Vulnerability Discovery
5. Mastering Modern Web Security Testing
6. OWASP Security Testing Guide
7. Mobile Application Security Testing Handbook

YouTube Channels:

1. Live Overflow
2. Hackersploit
3. Bugcrowd
4. Hak5
5. HackerOne
6. thenewboston (programming tutorials)
7. codeacademy (programming courses)

Writeups, Articles, and Blogs:

1. Medium (infosec writeups)
2. HackerOne public reports
3. Portswigger
4. Reddit (Netsec)
5. DEFCON conference videos
6. Forums

Practical Experience

Hone your skills with these tools and testing environments:

Tools:

1. Burp Suite
2. Nmap
3. Dirbuster
4. Sublist3r
5. Netcat

Testing Environments:

1. DVWA
2. bWAPP
3. Vulnhub
4. Metasploitable
5. CTF365
6. Hack the Box

Embarking on Your Bug Bounty Journey

1. Select a platform: HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Open Bug Bounty, Zerocopter, Antihack, or Synack (private)
2. Choose wisely (start with non-bounty programs)
3. Identify a vulnerability to hunt
4. Conduct thorough research
5. Create a detailed report
6. Follow responsible disclosure guidelines
7. Develop a proof-of-concept exploit

Words of Wisdom

1. Persistence is key; mastery requires time and effort.
2. Self-directed learning is crucial.
3. Confidence and determination
4. Bug bounty is not solely about financial rewards.
5. Continuous learning is essential.
6. Don't lose hope; every failure is an opportunity.
7. Stay focused and adaptable.
8. Rely on yourself and your abilities.
9. Stay updated with the latest infosec trends.

Embark on your bug bounty journey with persistence, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Happy hunting!

Muazu S. Ahmed
Infosec Expert & Writer