- by x32x01 ||
Bug Bounty Deep Dive for Beginners - Complete Step-by-Step Guide 
Ready to turn curiosity into skill - and maybe income?
This guide walks you through the entire bug bounty roadmap - from the basics to your first real report - using safe, ethical, and beginner-friendly methods.What Is a Bug Bounty & Why It Matters 
A bug bounty is a program where companies reward people who responsibly report security vulnerabilities in their products.It’s a win-win:
- You learn hands-on hacking skills
- You build a real-world cybersecurity reputation
- You can earn serious rewards while helping secure the web
Your Learning Roadmap (0–8 Weeks) 
Foundations (Week 0-2)
- Understand TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, SSL/TLS basics.
- Get comfortable with Linux shell commands and tools.
Web Basics (Week 2-4)
- Learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, cookies, and sessions.
- Study SQL syntax to grasp injection logic.
Security Fundamentals (Week 4-8)
- Master OWASP Top 10: XSS, SQLi, CSRF, IDOR, SSRF, RCE.
- Understand auth, sessions, and authorization flaws.
Tools & Labs (Continuous)
Use Burp Suite, Nmap, browser devtools, curl, and basic Python scripting to practice in legal labs. 
30-Day Starter Plan (Daily Micro-Tasks) 
Week 1: Environment setup, curl, network tab, OWASP overview.Week 2: HTML + JS basics, XSS labs (reflected vs stored).
Week 3: SQL injection, session & IDOR practice.
Week 4: Burp proxy, CTF challenges, submit your first report (to a safe lab).
Essential Tools You Must Know 
- Browsers: Firefox/Chrome + FoxyProxy & Wappalyzer.
- Burp Suite (Community): proxy, repeater, intruder basics.
- Nmap: quick network scans.
- curl/wget: test requests manually.
- Python: automate simple recon or payloads.
- VSCode: organize notes, payloads, and scripts.
Legal & Safe Practice Labs
- TryHackMe, HackTheBox, PortSwigger Academy - perfect for learning legally.
- DVWA and Juice Shop - purposely vulnerable test apps.
- Real bug bounty platforms (after learning): HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Intigriti, Synack.
Always read scope and program rules first!
Common Vulnerabilities with Simple Examples 
Reflected XSS Example
- What: Unsanitized input reflects directly in the page.
- Test (safe demo):
<script>alert('XSS')</script> - Report: URL, input field, payload, proof (screenshot/video).
SQL Injection Example
- What: User input alters a database query.
- Test:
' OR '1'='1 - Report: exact parameter, non-destructive proof, and remediation tips.
Always use non-destructive payloads in legal scopes only.Writing a High-Quality Bug Report 
- Title: Short & descriptive.
- Summary: One-line impact.
- Target URL + parameters.
- Reproduction steps: precise and numbered.
- PoC: payload + screenshot/video.
- Impact: what could happen (e.g., account takeover).
- Fix suggestion: quick remediation idea.
- Environment: browser, OS, date, account used.
Good reports = faster triage = higher rewards.Monetization & Reputation Tips
- Start small with public beginner programs.
- Write clean, detailed reports - reviewers appreciate clarity.
- Focus on high-impact categories (auth bypass, RCE, data leaks).
- Track every valid submission - build your private hall of fame.
Ethics & Legal Rules 
- Test only within program scope.
- Never exploit or damage data.
- Follow responsible disclosure timelines.
- Be respectful and transparent with program triagers.
Avoid These Beginner Mistakes 
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Vague reports | Include full steps + PoC |
| Out-of-scope testing | Always verify program scope |
| Over-automation | Manually confirm every finding |
| Poor communication | Stay polite, clear & concise |
Top Resources to Keep Learning 
- OWASP Top 10 - must-read list.
- PortSwigger Academy - real lab exercises.
- TryHackMe / HackTheBox - hands-on practice.
- HackerOne Hacktivity - read public bug reports.
- YouTube walkthroughs - watch real-time demos.
Realistic Motivation Roadmap 
- Month 1: Learn basics & complete labs.
- Month 3: Submit small valid reports.
- Month 6: Earn consistent bounties.
- Year 1+: Become a top-ranked hunter or go full-time.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Reproduce the bug twice or more. Capture screenshots & network requests. Confirm target is in-scope. Suggest a fix and summarize clearly.Stay ethical, stay curious, and keep improving!
