Earn Money by Finding Bugs: Beginner's Guide to Bug Bounty

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Evolution of Bug Bounty Programs
3. Types of Bug Bounty Programs
   • 3.1 Company-Based Bug Bounty Programs
   • 3.2 Third-party Crowd-sourced Bug Bounty Platforms
   • 3.3 Vulnerability Disclosure Policy (VDP)
   • 3.4 Capture The Flag (CTF)
4. Becoming an Ethical Hacker
   • 4.1 Cybersecurity Knowledge and Skills
   • 4.2 Motivation and Purpose
   • 4.3 Soul Searching
5. Choosing a Niche
   • 5.1 Hacking Web Applications
   • 5.2 API Security
   • 5.3 Android Platform
   • 5.4 Internet of Things (IoT)
   • 5.5 Other Specializations
6. Popular Attack Surfaces and Vulnerabilities
   • 6.1 Privilege Escalation
   • 6.2 Access Control
   • 6.3 Insecure Direct Object Reference
   • 6.4 SQL Injection
   • 6.5 Misconfiguration (Growing Rapidly)
7. Setting Up Your Hacker Environment
   • 7.1 Virtualization and Operating Systems
   • 7.2 Essential Tools (Burp Suite, Proxies, Sniffers)
   • 7.3 Consider Getting Certified (OSCP)
8. Bug Bounty as a Full-Time Job
   • 8.1 Community Statistics
   • 8.2 Generation Z and Age Distribution
   • 8.3 Professional Backgrounds and Education
   • 8.4 Popular Industries
9. Developing a Hacker Mindset
   • 9.1 Overcoming Challenges
   • 9.2 Long-Term Success
10. Critique of Commercial Bug Bounty Programs
    • 10.1 Crowd-sourced Platforms and NDAs
    • 10.2 Public Safety and Legal Implications
11. Recommendations for Bug Finders and Researchers
    • 11.1 Participating in VDPs
    • 11.2 Long-Term Career Benefits
12. Conclusion

The Journey of Bug Bounty Programs and VDPs

Bug bounty programs have come a long way since their inception in the 90s. Today, they are an integral part of the cybersecurity landscape, with organizations of all sizes employing ethical hackers to identify and report vulnerabilities. In this article, we will explore the evolution of bug bounty programs and the different types available. We will also Delve into the essential skills and motivations required to become an ethical hacker. Additionally, we will discuss various niches within bug hunting, popular attack surfaces, and vulnerabilities to focus on. Setting up a hacker environment, considering bug bounty as a full-time job, and developing a hacker mindset will also be covered. Finally, we will critique commercial bug bounty programs and provide recommendations for bug finders and researchers. By the end, You will have a comprehensive understanding of bug bounty programs and VDPs and how to navigate through this exciting field of cybersecurity.

Evolution of Bug Bounty Programs

Bug bounty programs have had a remarkable Journey of growth and development since the launch of the first Internet-based program by Netscape in the 90s. What started as cash rewards for discovering vulnerabilities in beta software has now become a widespread practice adopted by many large organizations and even governments. The incentives for ethical hackers have evolved along with the programs, and today, companies either offer bug bounty programs directly or employ third-party crowd-sourced bug bounty platforms. Another form of bug reporting, known as Vulnerability Disclosure Policy (VDP), has emerged with the same goal as bug bounty programs but without monetary rewards. This has given rise to different avenues for aspiring hackers to get involved, such as Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges. In the following sections, we will explore each Type of bug bounty program and provide insights into their workings and benefits.

Types of Bug Bounty Programs

Company-based Bug Bounty Programs

Some companies, including tech giants like Apple, Facebook, and Google, operate their bug bounty programs independently. These programs incentivize ethical hackers to discover and report vulnerabilities directly to the company. By doing so, hackers can receive monetary rewards or other incentives for their efforts. These programs offer a dedicated platform for bug reporting, which ensures that the vulnerabilities are handled with the utmost seriousness by the organization's security team. Pros of company-based bug bounty programs include direct engagement with the organization, tailored rewards, and potential career advancement opportunities. However, the scope of these programs is limited to the specific companies offering them.

Third-party Crowd-sourced Bug Bounty Platforms

To broaden the reach of bug bounty programs, third-party platforms like BugCrowd and HackerOne have emerged. These platforms connect ethical hackers with organizations that require their expertise. As a freelance ethical hacker, you can sign up on these platforms to gain access to a wide range of bug bounty programs offered by diverse organizations. The AdVantage of using these platforms is the abundance of opportunities available, as multiple companies rely on them to run their bug bounty programs. However, it is important to note that these platforms usually require participants to agree to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), which can have implications on public safety and legal compliance. We will discuss this further in a later section.

Vulnerability Disclosure Policy (VDP)

Vulnerability Disclosure Policies, also known as VDPs, function similarly to bug bounty programs but with one significant difference - they do not offer monetary rewards for vulnerability reports. Instead, VDPs aim to provide a safe and secure Channel for ethical hackers to disclose vulnerabilities they discover. VDP documentation guides hackers on where and how to report a vulnerability, ensuring that the company receiving the report acknowledges and addresses the issue promptly. VDPs are often covered by "safe harbor" agreements, assuring ethical hackers that they will not face legal consequences for their actions. While VDPs may not offer financial incentives, participating in such programs can build reputation and social influence for hackers. Many in the cybersecurity community actively participate in VDPs due to a Sense of responsibility, a desire to learn, and the opportunity to enhance their professional profiles.