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Bug Bounty Hunting in 2026

#security #bugbounty #tutorial #beginners

A complete guide to start earning money through bug bounty hunting.

Table of Contents

  1. What is Bug Bounty?
  2. Prerequisites
  3. Setting Up Your Environment
  4. Learning Path
  5. Choosing a Platform
  6. Finding Your First Bug
  7. Writing a Good Report
  8. Common Vulnerability Types
  9. Tools
  10. Tips for Success
  11. Resources

What is Bug Bounty?

Bug bounty programs reward security researchers for finding and responsibly reporting vulnerabilities in software, websites, and applications. Companies pay anywhere from $50 to $2,000,000+ depending on the severity of the bug.

Earnings Potential

Level Monthly Income Time to Reach
Beginner $0-500 0-12 months
Intermediate $2,000-5,000 1-2 years
Advanced $8,000-15,000 2-3 years
Elite $20,000+ 3+ years

Prerequisites

Required Knowledge

  • Basic understanding of how the web works (HTTP, DNS, cookies, sessions)
  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript fundamentals
  • Basic programming (Python recommended)
  • Linux command line basics
  • Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, ports, protocols)

Mindset

  • Patience (most hunters quit in the first 6 months)
  • Curiosity and persistence
  • Willingness to learn continuously
  • Ethical behavior (never test without permission)

Setting Up Your Environment

Operating System

Use a Linux-based OS for bug hunting. Recommended: Kali Linux, Parrot OS, or Ubuntu/Debian with tools installed manually.

Essential Tools Installation 

# Update system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

# Install basic tools
sudo apt install -y git curl wget python3 python3-pip nmap

# Install Go (needed for many tools)
wget https://go.dev/dl/go1.21.0.linux-amd64.tar.gz
sudo tar -C /usr/local -xzf go1.21.0.linux-amd64.tar.gz
echo 'export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/go/bin:~/go/bin' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

# Install subfinder (subdomain enumeration)
go install -v github.com/projectdiscovery/subfinder/v2/cmd/subfinder@latest

# Install httpx (HTTP probing)
go install -v github.com/projectdiscovery/httpx/cmd/httpx@latest

# Install nuclei (vulnerability scanner)
go install -v github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3/cmd/nuclei@latest

# Install ffuf (fuzzing)
go install github.com/ffuf/ffuf/v2@latest
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Browser Setup

  1. Install Firefox or Chrome
  2. Add extensions: FoxyProxy, Wappalyzer, Cookie Editor, HackBar

Configure Burp Suite

  1. Download from portswigger.net/burp/communitydownload
  2. Set proxy listener to 127.0.0.1:8080
  3. Configure browser to use this proxy
  4. Install Burp's CA certificate in browser

Learning Path

Phase 1: Foundations

Complete these free courses:

  • PortSwigger Web Security Academy (FREE, essential)
  • TryHackMe - Bug Bounty Path
  • HackTheBox Academy

Learn OWASP Top 10:

  • Injection (SQL, Command, LDAP)
  • Broken Authentication
  • Sensitive Data Exposure
  • XML External Entities (XXE)
  • Broken Access Control
  • Security Misconfiguration
  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
  • Insecure Deserialization
  • Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities
  • Insufficient Logging and Monitoring

Phase 2: Practice

Practice on legal targets: DVWA, bWAPP, OWASP WebGoat, HackTheBox machines, TryHackMe rooms, PentesterLab

Phase 3: Real Targets

  1. Start with VDPs (Vulnerability Disclosure Programs)
  2. Move to paid bug bounty programs
  3. Focus on less popular targets (less competition)

Choosing a Platform

Platform Best For
HackerOne Largest program variety
Bugcrowd Beginner-friendly
Intigriti European programs
YesWeHack European programs
Immunefi Crypto/Web3 (high payouts)
Synack Invite-only, higher pay

Program Selection Tips

  • Start with programs that have broad scope
  • Look for programs with good response times
  • Avoid programs with many hunters (high competition)
  • New programs often have more low-hanging fruit

Finding Your First Bug

1. Reconnaissance 

# Find subdomains
subfinder -d target.com -o subdomains.txt

# Check which are alive
cat subdomains.txt | httpx -o alive.txt

# Find interesting endpoints
cat alive.txt | waybackurls > urls.txt
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2. Map the Application

  • Browse the application manually
  • Identify all features and functionality
  • Note authentication mechanisms
  • Find input fields (forms, parameters, headers)
  • Check for APIs

3. Test for Vulnerabilities

Start with these high-impact bugs:

  • Authentication Issues (Password reset flaws, Account takeover)
  • Access Control (IDOR, Privilege escalation)
  • Injection (XSS, SQL Injection, Command Injection)
  • Business Logic (Price manipulation, Race conditions)

4. Document Everything

Take screenshots, record HTTP requests/responses, note reproduction steps, save evidence before reporting.

Writing a Good Report

Report Template

Title: [Vulnerability Type] in [Feature/Endpoint] allows [Impact]

Summary: Brief description of the vulnerability and its impact.

Severity: Critical / High / Medium / Low

Steps to Reproduce:

  1. Go to the vulnerable endpoint
  2. Perform specific action
  3. Observe the vulnerability

Proof of Concept: Screenshots, videos, code snippets

Impact: Explain what an attacker could do

Recommended Fix: Suggest how to fix the issue

Common Vulnerability Types

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Where to look: Search boxes, comment fields, profile fields, URL parameters

SQL Injection

Where to look: Login forms, search features, filters, any database queries

IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference)

Change IDs in requests: GET /api/user/123/profile -> GET /api/user/124/profile

Authentication Bugs

  • Password reset token leaks
  • No rate limiting on login
  • Session not invalidated on logout

Business Logic Flaws

  • Negative quantity in cart
  • Skip payment step
  • Coupon reuse
  • Race conditions

Information Disclosure

Check for exposed files: /.git/config, /.env, /config.php.bak, /api/swagger.json

Must-Have Tools

Tool Purpose
Burp Suite Web proxy and testing
Subfinder Subdomain enumeration
Nuclei Vulnerability scanning
ffuf Fuzzing
httpx HTTP probing
Nmap Port scanning
SQLMap SQL injection
Amass Subdomain enumeration

Tips for Success

Do's

  1. Read the program scope carefully
  2. Start with less popular programs
  3. Focus on one vulnerability type
  4. Hunt consistently - 2-3 hours daily
  5. Learn from duplicates
  6. Network with other hunters
  7. Document everything
  8. Be patient

Don'ts

  1. Don't use automated scanners blindly
  2. Don't spam reports
  3. Don't test without permission
  4. Don't give up early - 95% quit, be the 5%
  5. Don't chase only critical bugs
  6. Don't disclose publicly without permission

Resources

Free Learning

  • PortSwigger Web Security Academy
  • HackerOne Hacktivity
  • PentesterLand Newsletter

YouTube Channels

STOK, NahamSec, InsiderPhD, LiveOverflow, John Hammond

Books

  • Web Application Hacker's Handbook
  • Bug Bounty Bootcamp by Vickie Li
  • Real-World Bug Hunting by Peter Yaworski

Communities

HackerOne Discord, Bugcrowd Discord, NahamSec Discord, Reddit r/bugbounty

Earnings Timeline

  • Month 1-3: Learning, practicing, $0 earnings (normal)
  • Month 4-6: First valid reports, $0-500
  • Month 7-12: Consistent findings, $500-2000/month
  • Year 2: Intermediate level, $2000-5000/month
  • Year 3+: Advanced hunter, $5000-15000+/month

Remember: Bug bounty is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay consistent, keep learning, and the rewards will come.

Last updated: January 2026

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