Bug bounty hunting is thrilling. Watching others share their discoveries online, it’s hard not to feel excited – and maybe a bit frustrated if you haven’t found any bugs yet. But don't worry; everyone struggles initially. By the end of this guide, you'll have the tools to find your first bug, maybe even earn a bounty, and at the very least, know exactly how to get started.
Understand the Basics
Before diving in, ensure you've got some foundational knowledge. You should be familiar with common vulnerabilities and the basic tools used to exploit them. Tools like Burp Suite are essential, and you’ll want to start thinking like a hacker – ask yourself questions like “Can I alter a parameter’s value?” or “What happens if I remove a parameter?Choosing the Right Target
Here's where most beginners hit a wall. Many start by hunting on popular platforms like HackerOne or Bugcrowd, only to find these sites are heavily secure, as experienced hackers have already tested them thoroughly. Starting with these well-protected sites can be discouraging, especially if you’re just starting out.
So, where should you focus instead?
Start with Vulnerability Disclosure Programs
Seek out websites that have a vulnerability disclosure program (VDP) rather than a traditional bug bounty program. VDPs don’t usually offer rewards, which means fewer experienced hackers are testing these sites, leaving more opportunities for you. To find these sites, you can use Google Dorks or check out this useful GitHub repository: Bug Bounty Dorks.
Locking Onto a Target
Once you've selected a target, pick a website that appears several pages deep in Google search results. These are often less secure, making them ideal for beginners.
But which vulnerabilities should you start with? While it’s tempting to go straight for XSS or use automated scanners, you’ll want to build your foundation first.
Building Your Methodology
Forget about fancy vulnerabilities like XSS or SQLi for now. Instead, focus on a solid, methodical approach. Begin with a basic Nmap scan, run some version enumeration, and identify server or service versions. Cross-reference your findings with reliable sources like ExploitDB, Rapid7, or GitHub to see if these versions have known vulnerabilities.
Don’t get distracted by random websites claiming certain versions are vulnerable; many of these claims are irrelevant or nearly impossible to exploit.
If your version checks turn up empty, it’s time to brute-force directories. Tools like Gobuster or Dirb are your friends here. And remember – use relevant wordlists! For example, if a website runs on Drupal, make sure you’re using a Drupal-specific wordlist. Many beginners make the mistake of sticking to a generic wordlist.
What to Report
If you come across files that should be hidden, like configuration files or backup files, report them immediately. There’s no need to dig too deep – just focus on finding files that are visible when they shouldn’t be. It’s a straightforward vulnerability that might not earn a bounty, but it will give you confidence that you’re on the right track.
Bonus Tip: Look for Leaked Configuration Details
Here’s a common goldmine, even on modern websites: API and configuration details in client-side code. Sounds complicated? It’s actually quite simple.
Go to the target website, open Inspect Element, head to the Network tab, and look for any mentions of "API," "API key," "auth key," or "client ID." Often, developers mistakenly leave these details in the client-side code.
These config details, like Firebase configurations, are sometimes hardcoded into the frontend, which is a major oversight by developers. You’ll often find these on e-commerce sites and various apps.
Wrap-Up
Getting started in bug bounty hunting takes patience and a methodical approach. Follow these steps to increase your chances of finding a bug. Remember, it’s not all about the bounty at the start – the confidence and knowledge you’ll gain are just as valuable.
Happy hunting! And comments if you want for Part 2, where we’ll dive into more advanced techniques.
Joint our telegram : @coursefather