Kickstart Your Bug Bounty Hunting Journey

In our previous blog post, we introduced you to the world of bug bounty hunting, discussing the fundamentals, platforms, and common vulnerabilities. Now, we will guide you through a methodology for studying and practicing that will help you kickstart your bug bounty hunting journey, even if you’re an absolute beginner.

1. Get the fundamentals right

To start, it’s essential to have a solid foundation in computer networks, programming, and web technologies. You should understand how the internet works, be familiar with HTTP, and have a good grasp of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Study resources like online tutorials, books, and courses to gain knowledge in these areas. Some recommendations include:

The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook by Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto- Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) Web Docs for learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript- FreeCodeCamp for hands-on web development practice

2. Learn the tools of the trade

Bug bounty hunters use various tools to help them identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Familiarize yourself with tools like Burp Suite, Nmap, Wireshark, and OWASP ZAP. You can find tutorials and documentation on their official websites or other online resources. Practice using these tools on legal platforms like OWASP Juice Shop, WebGoat, or DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application).

3. Get comfortable with common vulnerabilities

Study common web application vulnerabilities like SQL injection, Cross-site Scripting (XSS), and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). Understand how they work, learn how to identify and exploit them, and most importantly, learn how to mitigate them. Resources like the OWASP Top Ten Project and the PortSwigger Web Security Academy are great places to start.

4. Practice on legal platforms

Before you start hunting on real-world targets, practice on legal platforms like Hacker101, Hack The Box, and CTF (Capture The Flag) challenges. These platforms provide a safe environment for you to learn and develop your skills without the risk of legal consequences. They also offer resources and tutorials to help you learn.

5. Read write-ups and follow researchers

Stay up-to-date with the latest bug bounty write-ups, research, and news. Follow established researchers on social media and read their write-ups to learn from their experiences and techniques. Some websites to follow include:

HackerOne Hacktivity- Bugcrowd Vulnerability Disclosure- The PortSwigger Research Blog

6. Engage with the community

Participate in bug bounty forums and online communities like the Bug Bounty Forum, Bugcrowd Forum, or various subreddits and Discord servers. Engaging with the community can help you learn from others, get answers to your questions, and build valuable connections.

7. Start hunting

Once you feel confident in your skills and knowledge, start hunting on bug bounty platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, or Synack. Begin with smaller, less complex targets and gradually move to more complex ones as you gain experience. Always follow the program’s rules and guidelines, and remember that persistence and patience are essential for success in bug bounty hunting.

Conclusion

By following this methodology, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful bug bounty hunter. Keep learning, practice consistently, and stay engaged with the community to continuously improve your skills. With dedication and persistence, you can turn your passion for bug bounty hunting into a rewarding career. Good luck and happy hunting!