Master the Art of Bug Hunting: Choose Your First Target

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Choosing Your Target
   • Public vs. Private Programs
   • Checking Hacker One Directory and Bug Bounty List
   • Considering Scope and Attack Surface
3. Evaluating the Program
   • Friendly and Responsive Team
   • Scope Size and Interconnectedness
   • Bug Types and Impact
   • Consideration for Mobile vs. Web Apps
4. Practical Steps on Hacker One
   • Exploring the Directory and Program Pages
   • Analyzing Bounty Tables and Program Statistics
   • Reviewing Policy, Scope, and Disclosures
   • Assessing Team Responsiveness and Attitude
5. Conclusion

Choosing Your First Bug Bounty Program

Bug bounty hunting can be an exciting and rewarding Journey for beginners, but it's crucial to choose the right target. With so many programs out there, how do You know which one is friendly, offers reasonable scope, and aligns with your interests? In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing your first bug bounty program step by step.

Introduction

Before we dive into the details, let's clarify the importance of choosing the right bug bounty program. Your choice of target can make a significant difference in your bug hunting journey. It can determine whether you find fruitful bugs or end up frustrated. We understand that as a newbie, you may have several questions, such as whether to go for a public or private program, how to find accessible bugs, or how to navigate the overwhelming options. Don't worry; we've got you covered.

Choosing Your Target

The first step in choosing your bug bounty program is deciding between public and private programs. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and objectives. Public programs offer more opportunities and visibility, while private programs may have less competition and a more intimate working environment. Choose the Type of program that aligns with your goals and comfort level.

Now that you have an idea of what type of program you want to pursue, it's time to explore the available options. Start by checking the Hacker One directory, the Bugcrowd bug bounty list, and other bug bounty services. Look for programs that provide a public list of customers and activities. Pay Attention to the level of responsiveness and engagement they have with hackers, as it can be an indicator of their overall attitude and willingness to collaborate.

When assessing a bug bounty program, consider the scope and attack surface. A large scope means more assets to target, increasing your chances of finding bugs. However, be cautious with overly interconnected programs, as they can be challenging to understand and navigate. Aim for distinct apps or websites that allow for easier comprehension and targeted bug hunting. Play to your strengths and select a program that matches your skill set. If you're a web developer, focus on web applications. If you have a knack for code review, choose programs that offer source code reviews.

Evaluating the Program

Now that you have a shortlist of potential bug bounty programs, it's time to evaluate each one in more Detail. Consider the following factors to make an informed decision:

1. Friendly and Responsive Team: Look for a program with a team that is supportive, understands your needs as a beginner, and provides clear and descriptive responses. Assess their level of professionalism and willingness to work with you throughout the bug hunting process.

2. Scope Size and Interconnectedness: Evaluate the program's scope and determine whether it is large enough to pivot and explore different areas. Be cautious of programs with highly interconnected assets, as they can be complex and overwhelming for newcomers.

3. Bug Types and Impact: Take note of the bug types and impact the program is interested in. If you're a technical person, look for programs that value technical vulnerabilities like CSRF, SSRF, or XSS. If you're more inclined towards business logic errors, prioritize programs that prioritize those bug types.

4. Mobile vs. Web Apps: Consider whether you want to focus on mobile apps or web applications. Mobile apps may have less competition due to setup requirements, while web apps offer a wider range of accessible bugs. Choose the platform that suits your preferences and strengths.

Practical Steps on Hacker One

To illustrate the process of choosing a bug bounty program, let's explore Hacker One, one of the prominent platforms for bug hunters. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Explore the Hacker One directory and browse through different program pages. Pay attention to the bounty table, which indicates the average bounties for critical, high, medium, and low severity bugs.

2. Analyze the program statistics for insights. Look for programs with a reasonable number of received and resolved reports, indicating active engagement with the hacker community.

3. Review the program policy, scope, and exclusions. Understand what is in scope and what assets you can target. Be aware of any exclusions or restrictions imposed by the program.

4. Assess the team's responsiveness, professionalism, and attitude towards hackers. Look for informative and engaging interactions in the report discussions. Ensure that the team understands your goals and provides clear instructions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bug bounty program is a crucial step towards a successful bug hunting journey. By considering factors such as team responsiveness, scope size, bug types, and attack surface, you can find a program that aligns with your interests and maximizes your chances of finding valuable bugs. Keep in mind that as you gain more experience, your preferences and checklists may evolve. With dedication and persistence, you'll soon be on your way to uncovering bugs and earning bounties.

Highlights

• Choosing the right bug bounty program is essential for beginners.
• Consider public vs. private programs, scope, and attack surface when selecting a target.
• Evaluate the friendliness and responsiveness of the team.
• Assess the scope size, bug types, and impact that match your strengths.
• Practical steps on Hacker One: exploring the directory, analyzing bounty tables, reviewing program policies, and assessing team interactions.
• Choose a program that aligns with your interests and maximizes your chances of finding valuable bugs.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between public and private bug bounty programs? A: Public programs offer more visibility and opportunities, while private programs often have less competition and a more intimate working environment.

Q: How do I know if a bug bounty program is friendly and responsive? A: You can assess the team's attitude and responsiveness by reviewing their interactions with hackers in the program's discussion and activity sections.

Q: Can beginners find bugs in bug bounty programs? A: Yes, beginners can find bugs in bug bounty programs. Start with programs that match your skill set and offer accessible bug types.

Q: Should I prioritize web apps or mobile apps? A: It depends on your preferences and strengths. Mobile apps may have less competition, while web apps offer a broader range of accessible bugs.

Q: How can I ensure that I stay within the program's scope? A: Read the program policies and scope carefully. Understand what assets are in scope and which ones are excluded. Communicate with the team to clarify any doubts.