If I Started Bug Bounty Hunting in 2024, I'd Do this

Summary

This video script outlines a four-step framework for starting and excelling in bug bounty hunting in 2024. It emphasizes beginning with basic account setup on platforms like HackROne, Bugcrowd, or Integrity, and picking targets to hack on regardless of familiarity. The script advises learning about vulnerabilities and tools, focusing on areas of interest, and refining one's methodology. It also encourages understanding the type of bug bounty programs one enjoys, investing in tools and services, and standing out by contributing to the community through teaching or creating open-source tools.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Start by creating an account on a bug bounty platform like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, or Integrity and choose 2-3 targets to start hacking on.
• 🔍 Focus on understanding different vulnerabilities and how to test for them in various functionalities, such as file uploads and their security implications.
• 📚 Utilize available resources to learn the basics of vulnerabilities and improve your skills, using platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, or Pentester Lab.
• 🛠️ Consider taking a dedicated course or using the speaker's personal course for structured learning and practical challenges in bug bounty hunting.
• 🤔 Overcome the hesitation and overthinking associated with starting bug bounties by diving in and gaining experience.
• 🎯 Identify the types of applications and bug bounty programs that you enjoy hacking on and understand the different approaches they require.
• 🛡️ Develop a methodology by focusing on vulnerabilities you are comfortable with and learning the tools that are important for bug bounty hunting, such as automation scripts or web application testing tools.
• 🤝 Collaborate with other hackers and use third-party services to enhance your bug bounty hunting capabilities and reinvest earnings to improve your setup.
• 💡 Get smart about your approach by understanding what you enjoy and leveraging that knowledge to create better automation and notifications for vulnerability discovery.
• 🌟 Stand out by contributing to the community, whether by developing tools, teaching others, or creating content that helps others learn and improve in bug bounty hunting.
• 🔑 The key to success in bug bounty hunting is to get going, get good enough, get smart about your approach, and stand out by contributing back to the community.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the first step in the bug bounty framework mentioned in the video?

The primary goal of the first step is to get started with bug bounty hunting by creating an account on a platform, picking targets, and beginning to understand how to look for vulnerabilities, regardless of familiarity with the products.

What are some examples of bug bounty platforms mentioned in the script?

Examples of bug bounty platforms mentioned include Hackro, Bugcrowd, and Integrity.

What types of vulnerabilities should a beginner focus on when starting with bug bounties?

A beginner should focus on understanding different vulnerabilities associated with specific functionalities, such as file upload vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS), file type restrictions, and unrestricted file bypasses.

What resources can a beginner utilize to learn the basics of bug bounty hunting?

Beginners can utilize platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, or Pentester Lab to learn about vulnerabilities and can also consider taking dedicated courses like the one mentioned by the video creator.

What is the significance of understanding the scope of bug bounty programs in the first step?

Understanding the scope helps to determine the approach to bug bounty hunting, whether it involves wide-scope programs with automation and reconnaissance or large web applications requiring manual testing and deep understanding of technology stacks and vulnerabilities.

What does the second step of the framework focus on in terms of bug bounty hunting?

The second step focuses on getting good enough to know what bugs to look for, focusing on vulnerabilities one is comfortable with, and learning the necessary tools for either automated or manual hacking.

What tools might an automated bug bounty hunter learn to use?

An automated bug bounty hunter might learn to use tools like Nuclei templates, Sublist3r, httpx, and other automated tools for creating leads and finding vulnerabilities.

What is the purpose of the third step in the framework, 'Get Smart'?

The purpose of 'Get Smart' is to understand the role of a bug bounty hunter more deeply, invest in third-party services, create better automation, and collaborate with other hackers to expand findings and report vulnerabilities regularly.

What are some examples of how a bug bounty hunter can stand out and contribute to the community in the final step?

Examples include developing and open-sourcing tools, teaching others, starting a podcast, or conducting research and giving back to the community through templates, automation, and tooling.

What advice does the video give for overcoming the hesitation to start bug bounty hunting?

The advice given is to stop overthinking and just start, as the learning process and understanding of bug bounties will come with time and effort.

What is the importance of reinvesting in oneself as a bug bounty hunter?

Reinvesting in oneself allows for the acquisition of tools, services, and resources that can enhance the bug bounty hunting process, leading to more effective and efficient vulnerability finding.