How to Get Started in Bug Bounty Hunting: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide

Welcome to the thrilling world of bug bounty hunting — where finding glitches in software is not just a hobby but a gateway to potential riches and recognition! Imagine being a digital detective, solving mysteries that most folks wouldn’t even notice, and getting rewarded for it. In this guide, we’ll unravel the basics of bug bounty hunting, give you a step-by-step walkthrough of unearthing common vulnerabilities, and share some nifty resources to get you started. Buckle up, it’s going to be a bug-tastic ride!

Bug bounty hunting is like being a superhero in the realm of cybersecurity, but without the flashy suit. It involves sniffing out and reporting security vulnerabilities in systems, apps, or websites. Companies run bug bounty programs to lure ethical hackers (like you) into spotting and reporting these weak spots, which helps them beef up their security. In return, you get rewards, recognition, or at least a virtual high-five from the tech community.

Before you start hunting bugs, you need to get comfy with the basics of web security. Think of it as learning the ABCs of cyber sleuthing.

HTTP & HTTPS: These are like the postal services of the web. HTTP is the standard protocol, while HTTPS is its secure cousin that encrypts data between the browser and the server. Always go for HTTPS — it’s like wearing a seatbelt on the web.OWASP Top 10: This is your cheat sheet to the top 10 web security risks. Familiarize yourself with these troublemakers:SQL Injection (SQLi): When hackers play with your database like it’s a toy.Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): When bad scripts crash the party on your website.Broken Authentication: When your login system is as secure as a paper lock.Sensitive Data Exposure: When your private info goes public like it’s on a billboard.XML External Entities (XXE): When your XML files are sneaky troublemakers.Broken Access Control: When users access more than they should, like breaking into the VIP section.Security Misconfiguration: When your security settings are as mixed up as a puzzle.Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): When attackers make your site do things it shouldn’t.Insecure Deserialization: When data being processed gets all messed up.Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities: When using outdated parts is like bringing a leaky bucket to the party.Networking Basics: Learn how IP addresses, DNS, and data travel over networks. It’s like understanding how letters get to your mailbox, but with a lot more technical mumbo jumbo.

Every superhero needs their gadgets, and for bug bounty hunting, you’ve got some cool tools:

Burp Suite: Think of it as your magnifying glass for HTTP requests and responses. It’s powerful and comes in a community edition if you’re just starting out. Check out the Burp Suite Community Edition and Burp Suite Tutorial for Beginners.Nmap: Your go-to tool for scanning networks and discovering open ports. It’s like your radar for finding weak spots. Explore the Nmap Official Site and Nmap Tutorial for Beginners.OWASP ZAP: An open-source security scanner that helps you spot vulnerabilities. It’s like having a sidekick that never sleeps. Check out the OWASP ZAP Official Site and the OWASP ZAP User Guide.Google Dorking: Use advanced search operators to dig up information exposed on the internet. It’s like using a super-powered search engine to find hidden gems. Read up on Google Dorking Guide.

Now, where do you actually hunt these bugs? Here are some platforms where you can get started:

HackerOne: The big leagues with programs from major companies. Check out HackerOne and their Beginner’s Guide.Bugcrowd: Another top platform with various programs to explore. Visit Bugcrowd and Bugcrowd University.Synack: A more exclusive platform with an application process. Head over to Synack if you’re feeling fancy.Open Bug Bounty: Focuses on responsible disclosure even if you don’t have a formal program. Check out Open Bug Bounty.

Let’s put on our detective hats and dive into some classic vulnerabilities:

XSS is like a prankster who injects malicious scripts into web pages. Here’s how to catch them:

Identify Input Fields: Look for places where you can type stuff — search boxes, comment sections, or profiles.Inject Test Script: Drop a simple script like:<script>alert('XSS')</script>into the input field and hit submit.Check for Execution: If you see an alert box popping up, you’ve found an XSS vulnerability. Congrats!Report the Vulnerability: Describe your findings in a report — explain how you did it, the impact, and offer suggestions for fixing it. It’s like writing a detective’s report.

Example: Testing a search field

Enter <script>alert('Test')</script> in the search box.If an alert box appears, it’s an XSS vulnerability.

RCE is when hackers can run commands on a server from afar. Here’s how to find it:

Find User Input: Look for places where users can upload files or enter commands.Test File Uploads: Upload a file with an extension for executable code, like .php or .asp. Try this payload:<?php system($_GET['cmd']); ?>Execute Command: Access the uploaded file via the web and pass a command using URL parameters. For example: http://example.com/uploads/yourfile.php?cmd=lsObserve Output: If the command runs and you see the output, the server is vulnerable to RCE.Report the Vulnerability: Detail how you uploaded the file, executed the command, and the potential impacts.

Example: Upload a PHP file

Upload a file named shell.php with the content <?php phpinfo(); ?>.Access it via http://example.com/uploads/shell.php to see if it executes.

SSRF is when an attacker tricks the server into making requests to internal resources. Here’s how to sniff it out:

Identify URL Parameters: Look for parameters that accept URLs or IP addresses.Inject Malicious URL: Test with URLs pointing to internal resources, like:http://localhost/admin http://127.0.0.1Observe Response: Check if the server returns data from the internal URL.Report the Vulnerability: Explain how you injected the URL, the responses you observed, and potential impacts.

Example: Manipulate a URL parameter

Change a parameter like http://example.com/fetch?url=http://localhost to other internal addresses.

SQL Injection (SQLi) involves injecting malicious SQL queries into an application to manipulate the database. Here’s how to test for SQLi:

Identify Input Fields: Find fields where you can input data that interacts with a database, such as login forms or search bars.Inject SQL Payload: Use SQL injection payloads to test the input fields. For example:' OR '1'='1Observe Response: If the application returns unexpected results or database errors, it may be vulnerable to SQLi.Report the Vulnerability: Provide details of the injection, the responses, and potential impacts.

Example: Testing a login form:

Enter admin' OR '1'='1 as the username and password. If it logs you in, the site is vulnerable.

Engaging with the bug bounty community can enhance your skills and knowledge:

Write-Ups: Reading write-ups from experienced hunters can provide insights into different techniques and approaches. Websites like Hack The Box Write-Ups offer valuable information.Forums and Discord Channels: Join forums and Discord channels for bug bounty hunters. These platforms are great for asking questions and sharing knowledge.Bugcrowd ForumHackerOne CommunityBlogs and Videos: Follow cybersecurity blogs and YouTube channels for updates and tutorials.Security WeeklyThe Bug Bounty HubLiveOverflow’s YouTube ChannelUnderstand the Scope: Each bug bounty program has a defined scope that specifies which applications, domains, or functionalities are in scope for testing. Always read and follow the program’s rules to avoid testing unauthorized areas.HackerOne Scope Policy

2. Stay Updated: The cybersecurity landscape is always evolving. Keep up with the latest vulnerabilities, tools, and techniques by following industry news and updates.

CVE DetailsExploit Database

3. Practice Ethically: Always use your skills responsibly. Respect the rules of each bug bounty program and avoid causing harm to systems or users.

4. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your findings, including the steps to reproduce the vulnerability, the impact, and any mitigation advice. This will help you write better reports and communicate effectively with program managers.

5. Use Automation Wisely: While automated tools can help identify vulnerabilities, manual testing is crucial for discovering complex issues. Use automation as a supplement, not a replacement for manual analysis.

Step-by-Step Example:

Navigate to the Search Page: Open the search page of the target application.Test Input Fields: In the search box, input <script>alert('XSS')</script>.Submit and Observe: Click the search button and observe if an alert box pops up.Verify and Report: If the script executes, it indicates an XSS vulnerability. Write a report detailing the affected URL, the payload used, and the impact.

Step-by-Step Example:

Locate File Upload Functionality: Find a section of the application that allows file uploads, such as an avatar or document upload feature.Prepare Malicious File: Create a PHP file with the following content:<?php system($_GET['cmd']); ?>Upload the File: Upload the PHP file to the server.Access the File: Visit the file via URL, e.g., http://example.com/uploads/malicious.php?cmd=ls, to execute a command.Verify Execution: If you see the output of the command, the server is vulnerable to RCE. Report the issue with details on the file upload process and the commands executed.

Step-by-Step Example:

Find URL Parameter: Look for a URL parameter in the application that accepts user input, such as a URL fetching feature.Inject Internal URLs: Enter URLs like http://localhost/admin or http://127.0.0.1 in the parameter.Check Responses: Observe if the application returns information from the internal URL or service.Report the Vulnerability: Document the URL parameter, the injected payloads, and the responses.

Step-by-Step Example:

Locate Login Form: Find the login form on the target website.Inject SQL Payload: Enter admin' OR '1'='1 as both username and password.Submit the Form: Click login and see if you gain unauthorized access.Document and Report: If successful, report the SQL injection with details on the payload and its effect.

Learning Platforms and Tutorials

Hacker101: Hacker101 — Free Online Security TrainingPortSwigger Web Security Academy: Learn Web Security for FreeBugcrowd University: Free Bug Bounty TrainingOWASP (Open Web Application Security Project): OWASP Resources

Practice Platforms

Hack The Box: Hack The Box — Practice CybersecurityTryHackMe: TryHackMe — Learn CybersecurityVulnHub: VulnHub — Vulnerable By DesignCTFtime: Capture The Flag Events

Bug Bounty Programs and Platforms

HackerOne: HackerOne — Bug Bounty PlatformBugcrowd: Bugcrowd — Find and Report BugsSynack: Synack — Managed Bug BountyCobalt: Cobalt — Pentesting as a Service

Tools and Resources

Burp Suite: Burp Suite — Web Vulnerability ScannerOWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy): OWASP ZAP — Free Security ScannerNmap: Nmap — Network ScannerNikto: Nikto — Web Server Scanner

Learning and Community

The Hacker News: Stay Updated on Security NewsKrebs on Security: Krebs on Security BlogReddit — NetSec: NetSec SubredditTwitter — Follow Security Experts: List of Security Experts on Twitter

Documentation and Reporting

Exploit-DB: Exploit Database — Exploits and VulnerabilitiesCVE Details: CVE Details — Vulnerability DatabaseSecurity Focus: Security Focus — Vulnerability Database

Bug bounty hunting is like a fun treasure hunt for finding security flaws on the web. It’s exciting and can be super rewarding if you play by the rules, keep good notes, and use your tools wisely. Imagine yourself as a superhero saving the day, but instead of a cape, you’ve got a keyboard. Keep your adventures ethical, document your discoveries like a treasure map, and use automation as your trusty sidekick, not your only tool. Happy hunting, and may you find bugs that are as elusive as a needle in a haystack! 🚀💻🔍

For further learning and practice:

Bug Bounty Tutorials: Hacker101CTF Platforms: Hack The Box, TryHackMeCybersecurity Blogs: The Hacker News, Krebs on Security

Happy hunting, and may your bug bounty journey be both rewarding and educational!

Thank you for reading, and happy hunting! 🚀💻🔍

— Subham