The world of bug bounty hunting has grown rapidly over the last few years, with platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Synack offering security researchers and ethical hackers the opportunity to find vulnerabilities in real-world applications and get paid for their efforts. Whether you’re a beginner just dipping your toes in the water or an experienced bug hunter looking to refine your skills, having a strategy is key to success.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some essential bug bounty tips and tricks to help you become a more efficient and effective vulnerability hunter. From the tools to the mindset required, these tips will guide you on your journey to mastering bug bounty programs and reaping the rewards.

If you are new to Bug Bounty we would recommend reading our article: How to Start a Career in Bug Bounty Hunting

1. Understand the Scope of the Program

One of the most critical steps when participating in any bug bounty program is thoroughly understanding its scope. Each program has specific rules, including what assets can be tested (e.g., web apps, APIs, mobile apps), the types of vulnerabilities they are interested in (e.g., XSS, SQL injection), and what is out-of-scope (e.g., denial of service attacks, social engineering).

Key Tips:

• Read the program guidelines carefully. Make sure you understand the rules before diving into testing. Violating the scope can result in disqualification or, worse, legal issues.
• Focus on in-scope assets. Some programs have subdomains or applications explicitly marked as “in-scope.” This is where your attention should be.
• Look for outliers in the scope. Occasionally, outliers or non-standard components allowed to be tested might reveal hidden vulnerabilities.

2. Start Small, Then Expand

Many new bug bounty hunters feel overwhelmed when they first start. Instead of jumping straight into the deep end by targeting large, well-established companies, try to begin with smaller programs where you can hone your skills.

Key Tips:

• Target low-hanging fruit first. Try simple, yet common, vulnerabilities like XSS, CSRF, and information disclosure. These bugs might not have the highest payouts, but they can build your confidence and experience.
• Look for less-tested assets. If you’re participating in a popular bug bounty program, well-known domains or assets might already be tested extensively. Instead, look for less popular or recently added domains.

3. Learn the Basics of Web and Mobile Security

Before diving into bug hunting, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of web and mobile security. Bug bounty programs typically target applications accessible through the web or mobile, so being proficient in identifying web vulnerabilities is crucial.

Key Tips:

• Study OWASP Top 10. Familiarize yourself with the OWASP Top 10 list of web application security risks, which covers common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, and insecure deserialization.
• Learn about HTTP and APIs. Since most web applications rely on the HTTP protocol and APIs, learning the fundamentals of HTTP requests, response codes, headers, and how APIs work is critical for identifying issues such as insecure API endpoints.
• Practice with hands-on labs. Platforms like PortSwigger Web Security Academy, TryHackMe, HackTheBox, and VulnHub offer virtual environments where you can practice exploiting real-world vulnerabilities.

4. Use the Right Tools

Bug bounty hunting requires a combination of manual testing and automated scanning tools. A well-equipped bug hunter needs an arsenal of tools to aid in the discovery of vulnerabilities.

Key Tools:

• Burp Suite: A powerful web vulnerability scanner and proxy tool that allows you to intercept traffic between your browser and a web server.
• OWASP ZAP: An open-source tool for finding security vulnerabilities in web applications.
• Nmap: A network scanning tool for discovering open ports and services on a target.
• Amass: A tool for reconnaissance and gathering subdomains to expand your target surface area.
• Dirbuster/Dirsearch: Tools for brute-forcing hidden directories and files on a web server.
• ffuf: A fast web fuzzer for discovering subdomains, hidden paths, and other vulnerabilities.

Key Tips:

• Set up your lab environment. Before running automated tools on live targets, create a local lab environment with vulnerable applications where you can test your tools and workflows.
• Use browser extensions. Tools like Wappalyzer can quickly help you identify the technology stack of a web application, giving you clues on potential vulnerabilities (e.g., outdated WordPress plugins).

5. Master Reconnaissance

Reconnaissance (or “recon”) is often the most important phase in bug bounty hunting. Before you start testing for vulnerabilities, gather as much information as possible about the target.

Key Tips:

• Subdomain Enumeration: Use tools like Sublist3r, Amass, and ffuf to find subdomains that may be overlooked but could still be vulnerable.
• Search Public Repos: Tools like GitRob can help you find sensitive information in public repositories on GitHub related to the target organization.
• Google Dorking: Use advanced Google search queries to find exposed documents, admin panels, or other sensitive information indexed by search engines.

6. Be Patient and Persistent

Bug bounty hunting is not a “get rich quick” scheme. Finding a high-value vulnerability takes time, effort, and lots of practice. It’s normal to submit multiple reports and have them marked as “Duplicate” or “Informative” when you’re starting out. However, persistence will pay off in the long run.

Key Tips:

• Don’t give up after your first ‘duplicate’ report. Duplicate reports are common, especially for popular programs, but you’ll eventually find something unique.
• Take notes and learn from each experience. Whether your report is marked as a duplicate, informative, or valid, make sure to learn from each experience.

7. Collaborate and Learn from the Community

The bug bounty community is filled with experienced security researchers who are often more than willing to share their knowledge. Engaging with the community can help you learn faster, stay motivated, and get answers to difficult questions.

Key Tips:

• Join forums and social media groups. Platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Discord host communities where bug hunters share their knowledge, resources, and experience.
• Follow bug bounty blogs. Many successful bug bounty hunters maintain personal blogs or contribute writeups to sites like Writeup-DB where they explain how they found certain bugs.
• Collaborate with others. Teaming up with other researchers can help you divide the workload and share expertise.

8. Stay Updated on the Latest Vulnerabilities

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with new vulnerabilities being discovered every day. Keeping yourself updated on the latest research, vulnerability types, and attack methods is crucial for staying ahead in bug bounty hunting.

Key Tips:

• Subscribe to vulnerability mailing lists. Mailing lists like Full Disclosure and Bugtraq often release information about new vulnerabilities.
• Read vulnerability writeups. Sites like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Writeup-DB feature detailed reports on how certain bugs were found and exploited.
• Follow security researchers. Many experienced bug hunters share their discoveries and research on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.

9. Practice Reporting and Communication

Even if you find a critical vulnerability, if your bug report isn’t clear and concise, it may not be accepted or rewarded. Learning how to communicate the details of your discovery effectively is just as important as finding the bug itself.(How to Write Effective Bug Reports for Bug Bounties)

Key Tips:

• Be clear and detailed. Include steps to reproduce the issue, screenshots, and any relevant code or payloads in your report.
• Explain the impact. Always explain how the vulnerability could be exploited and its potential impact on the business.
• Remain professional. Always maintain a professional tone in your communication with security teams, even if your report is rejected.

10. Leverage Hall of Fame and Recognition Programs

Many companies offer recognition programs for bug hunters, even if cash bounties aren’t part of their offering. Having your name appear in a company’s Hall of Fame is a great way to build your reputation.

Key Tips:

• Aim for consistency. While payouts are always a great incentive, consistent participation can lead to recognition and invitations to private programs.
• Portfolio building. Having your name on multiple Hall of Fame lists is a great way to build credibility, which can open doors for private bug bounty programs and even full-time security roles.

Conclusion

Bug bounty hunting can be a rewarding, challenging, and educational experience. With patience, the right tools, and the proper mindset, anyone can become a successful bug hunter. The tips and tricks outlined in this blog will help you get started or improve your current bug bounty journey. Remember, learning and persistence are key, so don’t be discouraged by early setbacks. Keep pushing forward, and eventually, the bounties will start rolling in!

Stay curious, stay vigilant, and happy hunting!