For a new learner the problem that arises is where to begin from. Here, I will explain what program you should target on your first bug bounty hunt and offer advice on how to improve your odds of success.
1. Tips for Choosing Your First Bug Bounty Program
Selecting the right program is key to your initial success. Here are the main criteria to consider:
A) Look for Beginner-Friendly Programs
Some bug bounty programs are known for being more accessible to beginners. These programs typically have:
- A wide scope.
- Publicly disclosed reports for learning.
- Relatively simple security measures compared to mature programs.
Recommended Beginner Programs
1. HackerOne's Newbie-Friendly Programs:
- Look for programs with tags like "Beginner Friendly" or "Low Hanging Fruit."
- Examples: Shopify, Uber (for recon-based vulnerabilities).
2. Bugcrowd
- Bugcrowd has several programs with easy-to-find bugs.
- Start with programs offering "Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDP)" where payouts may not be the focus, but they're great for practice.
3. Synack Red Team (SRT)
- Synack offers a structured environment for beginners and real-world assets for practice.
4. Open Source Projects
- Programs like Google's OSS-Fuzz or private projects on platforms like GitHub allow you to practice legally while improving software security.
b) Understand the Scope
Pick a program with a clear and manageable scope. Start with assets that focus on:
- Web Applications: Easier to test for vulnerabilities like XSS or IDOR.
- APIs: Learn how to validate endpoints for improper configurations or security controls.
Avoid programs with highly restricted scopes or advanced asset types (e.g., IoT, mobile apps) as they require deeper expertise.
c) Public Disclosure Policies
Choose programs with public disclosure policies. Reading past reports helps you:
- Understand what vulnerabilities have been rewarded.
- Learn how to write detailed and impactful reports.
d) Low Competition Programs
Highly popular programs are often saturated with hunters. Instead, try:
- Less competitive private programs. Apply for invites on platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd.
- Newly launched programs. Programs in their initial phase may have untested assets.
2. Where to Hunt Your First Bug
Scenario 1: You Want to Practice Without Pressure
If you're not ready for live programs, practice environments are invaluable.
- DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application): Learn common web vulnerabilities
- OWASP Juice Shop: Realistic and gamified platform for practicing bug hunting.
- VulnHub and TryHackMe Labs: Offers hands-on learning in a risk-free environment.
Scenario 2: Ready for Real Bug Bounty Programs
1. Start with low-risk, beginner-friendly programs on:
- HackerOne: Use filters to find programs open to beginners.
- Bugcrowd: Participate in VDPs for experience.
2. Focus on simple yet impactful bugs like:
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Common and relatively easy to identify.
- Information Disclosure: Check error messages, headers, or public files.
- Broken Access Control/IDOR: Verify if you can access resources without proper permissions.
3. Explore smaller programs on platforms like YesWeHack or Intigriti, which may have less competition.
3. Top 10 Bug Bounty Programs for Beginners
- Shopify (HackerOne): Known for clear scope and beginner-friendly opportunities.
- Uber (HackerOne): Offers multiple assets and recon-based bug opportunities.
- GitHub (HackerOne): Focuses on securing open-source repositories.
- Apple (Bugcrowd): Offers broad scope and realistic challenges.
- Tesla (Bugcrowd): Beginner-friendly with straightforward attack surfaces.
- Intel (HackerOne): Great for hardware and software beginners.
- Yahoo (HackerOne): Known for public disclosures.
- Dropbox (HackerOne): Focuses on web and mobile app security.
- Slack (HackerOne): A beginner-friendly SaaS platform.
- Microsoft (Bugcrowd): Wide scope with public disclosure policies.
4. Top 10 VDP or RDP Programs to Start With
- Google Vulnerability Reward Program (VRP): Includes web and Android.
- Facebook/Meta Bug Bounty: Focuses on its platform and third-party apps.
- Mozilla Security Bug Bounty: Covers Firefox and other Mozilla products.
- HackerOne Community Edition: Open to all with free practice programs.
- Bugcrowd Public Programs: Beginner-friendly VDPs.
- GitLab: Known for its collaborative disclosure processes.
- Reddit Bug Bounty: Focuses on community and website security.
- Twitter Vulnerability Disclosure Program: Covers web and API endpoints.
- Spotify Bug Bounty: Great for beginners interested in SaaS platforms.
- WordPress Vulnerability Reporting: Ideal for those exploring CMS vulnerabilities.
5. Tips for Your First Bug Hunt
a) Start Small
- Pick one or two assets and focus on them.
- Conduct thorough recon using tools like Nmap, Sublist3r, and Burp Suite.
b) Be Methodical
- Break the application into smaller parts: login, profile, API endpoints, etc.
- Test one vulnerability type at a time.
c) Learn from Mistakes
- If you're unable to find bugs, study disclosed reports to refine your approach.
- Join forums like r/bugbounty or Bug Bounty Discord communities to learn from peers.
d) Write a Strong Report
Even the best bugs can be ignored if your report is unclear. Ensure your report includes:
- A detailed description of the vulnerability.
- Reproduction steps with screenshots/videos.
- Impact analysis and suggested fixes.
6. Tools for Beginners
Here's a quick list of essential tools to kickstart your journey:
- Recon Tools: Sublist3r, FFUF, Amass.
- Vulnerability Scanners: Burp Suite (Community Edition), Nikto.
- Browser Plugins: Wappalyzer, Postman.
- Specialized Tools: SQLMap (for SQL Injection), XSSHunter (for XSS).
7. Conclusion: Stay Persistent
Hunting for your first bug can take time, but don't get discouraged. Focus on learning, stay curious, and celebrate small wins. Every vulnerability you uncover — even in a lab environment — brings you closer to finding that first real-world bug.
Remember, bug bounty hunting is as much about persistence as it is about skill. Good luck and happy hunting!
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Next write-up will be on "Reconnaissance — Apex Domains" & will be highly practical…. so stay tuned!!!
I look forward to sharing what I've learned while exploring the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity and bug bounties. Let's hunt some bugs!
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