βββ README.md
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1 | # π― Bug Bounty Quick Start Guide
2 |
3 |
4 |

5 |
6 |
7 | ## π About This Guide
8 |
9 | This comprehensive resource is designed to help beginners start their journey in bug bounty hunting. It provides a curated collection of tools, methodologies, and learning materials that are essential for identifying and reporting security vulnerabilities. Whether you're completely new to security research or transitioning from another field, this guide offers:
10 |
11 | - π Structured learning paths and free educational resources
12 | - π οΈ Essential tools with practical usage examples
13 | - π Step-by-step methodology for hunting bugs
14 | - π Best practices and safety guidelines
15 | - π Recommended platforms and programs
16 | - π Valuable learning resources and practice environments
17 |
18 | Perfect for: Security enthusiasts, aspiring bug hunters, and anyone interested in web security.
19 |
20 | ---
21 |
22 | ## π Learning Resources
23 |
24 | ### Free Courses & Platforms
25 | | Platform | Description | Link |
26 | |----------|-------------|------|
27 | | PortSwigger Web Security Academy | Interactive labs and learning materials | [Link](https://portswigger.net/web-security) |
28 | | TryHackMe | Beginner-friendly rooms and paths | [Link](https://tryhackme.com) |
29 | | HackerOne CTFs | Practice finding vulnerabilities | [Link](https://ctf.hacker101.com/) |
30 | | PentesterLab | Hands-on web security exercises | [Link](https://pentesterlab.com/) |
31 | | OWASP Top 10 | Essential vulnerabilities to understand | [Link](https://owasp.org/www-project-top-ten/) |
32 |
33 | ### YouTube Channels
34 | | Channel | Focus | Link |
35 | |---------|-------|------|
36 | | InsiderPhD | Beginner tutorials | [Link](https://www.youtube.com/c/InsiderPhD) |
37 | | NahamSec | Bug bounty tips | [Link](https://www.youtube.com/c/Nahamsec) |
38 | | STΓΆK | Vulnerability analysis | [Link](https://www.youtube.com/c/STOKfredrik) |
39 | | Bug Bounty Reports Explained | Report breakdowns | [Link](https://www.youtube.com/c/BugBountyReportsExplained) |
40 |
41 | ## π οΈ Essential Tools
42 |
43 | ### Reconnaissance Tools
44 | ```bash
45 | # Subdomain Enumeration
46 | subfinder -d target.com # Fast subdomain discovery
47 | amass enum -d target.com # Comprehensive enumeration
48 | assetfinder target.com # Quick asset discovery
49 |
50 | # Content Discovery
51 | dirsearch -u https://target.com # Directory enumeration
52 | ffuf -w wordlist -u https://target.com/FUZZ # Fast fuzzing
53 | gobuster dir -u https://target.com -w wordlist # Directory busting
54 |
55 | # Visual Recon
56 | aquatone -out ./aquatone targets.txt # Screenshot and analysis
57 | eyewitness --web -f urls.txt # Visual reconnaissance
58 | ```
59 |
60 | ### Vulnerability Scanning
61 | ```bash
62 | # Web Vulnerability Scanners
63 | nuclei -l urls.txt -t nuclei-templates # Template-based scanning
64 | nikto -h https://target.com # Classic web scanner
65 | wpscan --url https://wordpress-site.com # WordPress scanning
66 |
67 | # Specific Vulnerability Tools
68 | xsstrike -u "https://target.com/?param=test" # XSS testing
69 | sqlmap -u "https://target.com/?id=1" # SQL injection
70 | jwt_tool decode [token] # JWT analysis
71 | ```
72 |
73 | ### Proxy Tools
74 | | Tool | Type | Purpose |
75 | |------|------|---------|
76 | | Burp Suite Community | Proxy & Scanner | Web app testing |
77 | | OWASP ZAP | Security Tool | Vulnerability scanning |
78 | | Fiddler | Web Debugger | Traffic analysis |
79 |
80 | ### API Testing Tools
81 | ```bash
82 | # API Reconnaissance & Testing
83 | postman # API development and testing client
84 | kiterunner scan https://target.com -w routes.txt # API endpoint discovery
85 | ```
86 |
87 | ### Cloud Security Tools
88 | ```bash
89 | # Cloud Misconfiguration Scanners
90 | prowler aws --profile # AWS security assessment
91 | scoutsuite aws --profile # Multi-cloud security auditing
92 | ```
93 |
94 | ## π― Getting Started
95 |
96 | ### Latest Bug Bounty Programs
97 | | Site | Description | Link |
98 | |----------|-------|------|
99 | | bbradar | Find the Latest Bug Bounty Programs. Programs auto-refresh every 7 mins. | [Link](https://bbradar.io/) |
100 |
101 |
102 | ### Bug Bounty Platforms
103 | | Platform | Focus | Link |
104 | |----------|-------|------|
105 | | HackerOne | Wide range of programs | [Link](https://hackerone.com) |
106 | | Bugcrowd | Managed programs | [Link](https://bugcrowd.com) |
107 | | Intigriti | European programs | [Link](https://intigriti.com) |
108 | | YesWeHack | Global programs | [Link](https://yeswehack.com) |
109 |
110 | ### Beginner-Friendly Programs
111 | - GitHub Security Lab
112 | - Department of Defense VDP
113 | - Internet Bug Bounty
114 | - Open-source projects
115 |
116 | ### Common Entry-Level Vulnerabilities
117 | 1. XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)
118 | 2. IDOR (Insecure Direct Object References)
119 | 3. Information Disclosure
120 | 4. Security Misconfiguration
121 | 5. Subdomain Takeover
122 |
123 | ## π Basic Methodology
124 |
125 | ### 1. Reconnaissance
126 | ```bash
127 | # Initial Enumeration
128 | subfinder -d target.com > domains.txt
129 | assetfinder target.com >> domains.txt
130 | amass enum -d target.com >> domains.txt
131 |
132 | # Live Host Discovery
133 | cat domains.txt | httpx > live_domains.txt
134 |
135 | # Screenshot
136 | aquatone -out ./aquatone < live_domains.txt
137 | ```
138 |
139 | ### 2. Content Discovery
140 | ```bash
141 | # Directory Enumeration
142 | ffuf -w wordlist.txt -u https://target.com/FUZZ
143 |
144 | # Parameter Discovery
145 | arjun -u https://target.com/path
146 |
147 | # JavaScript Analysis
148 | subjs -i live_domains.txt
149 | ```
150 |
151 | ### 3. Vulnerability Assessment
152 | ```bash
153 | # Automated Scanning
154 | nuclei -l urls.txt -t nuclei-templates
155 |
156 | # Manual Testing
157 | # - Test input fields
158 | # - Check file uploads
159 | # - Analyze API endpoints
160 | # - Review JavaScript files
161 | ```
162 |
163 | ## π Reporting Vulnerabilities
164 |
165 | Writing a clear, concise, and actionable bug report is crucial for getting your findings validated and rewarded. A good report demonstrates professionalism and makes the triage process easier for the security team.
166 |
167 | ### Key Components of a Good Report
168 | - **Clear Title:** Summarize the vulnerability and its location (e.g., "Stored XSS in User Profile Name via POST /settings").
169 | - **Vulnerability Details:** Explain the type of vulnerability, where it was found, and the technical details.
170 | - **Steps to Reproduce (PoC):** Provide clear, step-by-step instructions that allow the team to reliably reproduce the issue. Include necessary code snippets, commands, or URLs. Screenshots or video recordings are often helpful.
171 | - **Impact:** Describe the potential impact of the vulnerability. What could an attacker achieve? (e.g., steal user sessions, modify data, gain unauthorized access).
172 | - **Remediation Suggestion (Optional but helpful):** Briefly suggest how the vulnerability might be fixed.
173 |
174 | ### Tips for Effective Reporting
175 | - **Be Clear and Concise:** Avoid jargon where possible and get straight to the point.
176 | - **Ensure Reproducibility:** Double-check your steps before submitting.
177 | - **Demonstrate Impact:** Clearly explain why the vulnerability matters.
178 | - **Stay Professional:** Maintain a respectful tone, even if discussing sensitive issues.
179 | - **Check Scope:** Ensure the vulnerability is within the program's scope before reporting.
180 | - **Proofread:** Check for typos and grammatical errors.
181 |
182 | ## π‘ Pro Tips
183 |
184 | ### Getting Started
185 | 1. Focus on one vulnerability type
186 | 2. Master one tool at a time
187 | 3. Read disclosed reports
188 | 4. Join bug bounty Discord communities
189 | 5. **Specialize:** Focus on specific vulnerability classes or target types (e.g., APIs, mobile).
190 |
191 | ### Documentation
192 | - Take detailed notes
193 | - Create reproducible steps
194 | - Record proof-of-concept videos
195 | - Use templates for reports
196 | - **Be Patient:** Finding bugs takes time and persistence.
197 |
198 | ### Safety First
199 | - Always read program policies
200 | - Use VPN when testing
201 | - Never test without authorization
202 | - Respect scope and rules
203 | - **Understand Safe Harbor:** Know the legal protections offered by the program policy.
204 |
205 | ### General Tips
206 | - **Network:** Connect with other hunters and researchers.
207 | - **Handle Duplicates/NA Gracefully:** Learn from them and move on. It's part of the process.
208 | - **Don't Chase Leaderboards:** Focus on learning and quality reports over quantity.
209 |
210 | ## π Must-Read Resources
211 |
212 | ### Books
213 | | Title | Author | Focus |
214 | |-------|--------|-------|
215 | | Web Application Hacker's Handbook | Dafydd Stuttard | Web Security |
216 | | Real-World Bug Hunting | Peter Yaworski | Bug Bounty Tips |
217 | | Bug Bounty Bootcamp | Vickie Li | Methodology |
218 |
219 | ### Blogs and Write-ups
220 | - [PortSwigger Research](https://portswigger.net/research)
221 | - [HackerOne Hacktivity](https://hackerone.com/hacktivity)
222 | - [Bug Bounty Write-ups](https://pentester.land/list-of-bug-bounty-writeups.html)
223 |
224 | ## π Practice Environments
225 | | Platform | Type | Link |
226 | |----------|------|------|
227 | | DVWA | Vulnerable Web App | [Link](http://www.dvwa.co.uk/) |
228 | | Juice Shop | OWASP Project | [Link](https://owasp.org/www-project-juice-shop/) |
229 | | VulnHub | Vulnerable VMs | [Link](https://www.vulnhub.com/) |
230 | | Hack The Box | CTF Platform | [Link](https://www.hackthebox.eu/) |
231 |
232 | ## π Continuous Learning
233 |
234 | ### Stay Updated
235 | - Follow security researchers on Twitter
236 | - Join bug bounty Discord servers
237 | - Subscribe to security newsletters
238 | - Participate in CTFs
239 |
240 | ### Build Your Brand
241 | - Share your findings (after disclosure)
242 | - Write blog posts
243 | - Create YouTube content
244 | - Help others learn
245 |
246 | ---
247 |
248 |
249 | Remember:
250 | - Start with the basics
251 | - Practice regularly
252 | - Learn from others
253 | - Stay ethical
254 | - Document everything
255 | - Never stop learning
256 |
257 |
258 | ---
259 |
260 |
261 |

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