Become a Bug Hunter

What is Bug Hunting?

Bug hunting is part of a proactive approach to cybersecurity, focusing on identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals. It operates on the principle that finding and addressing these weaknesses before they can be maliciously exploited enhances the overall security posture of digital assets.

Before getting started into bug hunting

Starting a bug-hunting expedition requires a calculated strategy and a firm grasp of fundamental cybersecurity concepts. Choosing your focal area before diving into the details of bug hunting is important. A clear focus will guide Your learning route, regardless of your interest in web or mobile penetration (Android or iOS). In order to guarantee a strong foundation, become proficient in the following areas:

• Computer Fundamentals

• Networking

• Internet

• Command Line Interface (Linux Terminal, PowerShell, Command Prompt)

• Operating Systems

• Web Technology

• Proficiency in at least one Programming and Scripting Language (e.g., Python, Ruby, Java, C)

Practical Implementation

To truly cement your knowledge and abilities, you must put theory into practice. Theory alone is insufficient. As you gain knowledge, practice applying it to real-world situations to strengthen your skills. Here are a few doable actions to improve your bug-hunting experience:

• TryHackMe

• HackerOne CTF

• Damn Vulnerable Web App (DVWA)

• WebGoat

• bWAPP

• Vulnhub VMs

• Hack The Box

• Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions

Tip For Beginners

Creating an Effective Bug Hunting Approach:

Developing a successful bug hunting strategy is essential for maximizing your chances of identifying vulnerabilities and earning bounties. Here's a professional approach that you can consider as a sample to create your own path:

1. Select a Target Platform:

- Instead of spreading yourself thin across multiple bug hunting platforms, focus on mastering one platform. Each platform has its own set of rules, challenges, and community dynamics. By immersing yourself in one, you can build a deeper understanding and expertise.

2. Strategic Target Selection:

- Carefully analyze and select your targets. Reading and understanding program rules is crucial. Many hunters overlook the importance of adhering to specific guidelines, such as creating accounts with designated emails. Avoid the common mistake of randomly choosing targets without considering the associated rules. Critical vulnerabilities may be lurking where others have overlooked due to non-compliance.

3. Hunting Methodology for Beginners:

- For those starting out, it's crucial to follow a structured methodology to ensure thorough testing. Consider the following steps:

- Subdomain Enumeration:

Utilize tools like sublist3r, amass, and subfinder to identify subdomains, expanding your scope for potential vulnerabilities.

- Endpoint Discovery:

Use tools like Paramspider to gather all endpoints of the target, providing a comprehensive view of the attack surface.

- Uncover Hidden URLs:

Leverage Wayback URLs to reveal hidden or archived URLs, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in your testing.

- Filter and Test:

Organize and filter the outputs, creating a targeted testing list. Prioritize testing based on the criticality of each endpoint.

- XSS and SQL Injection Testing:

Rigorously test all endpoints with XSS and SQL injection payloads. Exercise caution and avoid blind injection; assess whether input is sanitized properly before proceeding.

- Automation with Nuclei:

Streamline the testing process by automating endpoint testing with tools like Nuclei. Automation enhances efficiency and allows you to focus on more complex scenarios.

By adhering to a structured approach, you ensure a systematic and thorough exploration of potential vulnerabilities. Remember, each step in your methodology contributes to building a robust testing process, increasing your effectiveness as a bug hunter.

Helpful Resources for bug hunting

Books:

The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing

Web Application Hacker’s Handbook

Mastering Modern Web App Pentesting

Web Hacking 101

Hacker’s Playbook

Hacking: The Art of Exploitation

OWASP Testing Guide

Online References:

InfoSec Write-Ups

Cyber Security Write-Ups

Capture The Flag (CTF) Platforms

OWASP Documentation

Bugcrowd Resource Hub

HackerOne Hacktivity