How to Start Bug Bounty Hunting: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Bug bounty hunting has turned students, hobbyists, and professionals into cybersecurity heroes. Platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd have paid out over $300 million in bounties (HackerOne, 2024), with some researchers earning six-figure incomes. But you don’t need to be a pro to get started. With the right roadmap, beginners can land their first valid bug submission in weeks, not years.

This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to begin bug bounty hunting, from registration to your first payout.

Step 1: Understand What Bug Bounty Hunting Is

Bug bounty hunting is the practice of finding and responsibly reporting security vulnerabilities in applications or systems, in exchange for monetary rewards or recognition.

• Platforms: HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Synack, YesWeHack
• Programs: Public (open to everyone) or private (invite-only)
• Rewards: Range from $100 for low-severity bugs to $50,000+ for critical exploits

Pro Tip: Think of bug bounty as a way to learn hacking legally while building a career portfolio.

Step 2: Create Accounts on Bug Bounty Platforms

Start with beginner-friendly platforms:

• HackerOne: Largest community, beginner programs like Hacker101 CTF.
• Bugcrowd: Structured programs, easier triage process.
• Synack: Invite-only, but great for pros later.

Action Plan:

1. Sign up on HackerOne and Bugcrowd.
2. Complete profile (skills, motivation, certifications if any).
3. Join beginner programs with wide scopes (e.g., open-source projects).

Screenshot mockup: HackerOne dashboard with program list.

Step 3: Learn the Legal & Ethical Boundaries

Bug bounty is legal only if:

• You test within the program’s defined scope.
• You follow the rules of engagement.
• You never exploit or leak data—just report it.

⚠️ Important: Testing outside scope (e.g., company assets not listed) can get you banned—or worse, prosecuted.

Pro Tip: Always read the program’s “Scope & Rules” section before testing.

Step 4: Build Your Toolkit

You don’t need expensive tools to start. Beginners should focus on a lean, effective toolkit:

• Burp Suite (Community Edition): Web proxy for intercepting requests.
• Google Chrome DevTools: Inspect elements, debug JavaScript.
• Nmap: Scan open ports and services.
• Dirbuster / FFUF: Directory brute-forcing.
• Payload Generators: For XSS, SQLi (like PayloadsAllTheThings repo).

Setup Example:

sudo apt install nmap ffuf

Pro Tip: Install Kali Linux or use Parrot OS for preloaded tools.

Step 5: Learn Common Vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10)

The majority of beginner bug bounty reports fall under OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities:

• XSS (Cross-Site Scripting): Injecting malicious JavaScript.
• SQL Injection: Manipulating databases via queries.
• CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery): Exploiting user actions.
• IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference): Accessing data you shouldn’t.
• RCE (Remote Code Execution): High severity, rare for beginners.

Example XSS Payload:

<script>alert('XSS')</script>

Learning Resources: Hacker101, PortSwigger Web Security Academy.

Step 6: Reconnaissance & Target Selection

Recon is about finding where to test. Beginners should:

1. Choose programs with broad scope (e.g., *.example.com).
2. Focus on smaller targets (subdomains, APIs) with less attention.

Use subdomain enumeration tools:

subfinder -d example.com

Pro Tip: Avoid huge programs (Google, Facebook) at first—they’re overcrowded and competitive.

Step 7: Start Testing & Document Findings

Once you find a potential bug:

• Intercept traffic with Burp Suite.
• Inject test payloads.
• Observe responses.

Example: Testing for SQLi

' OR 1=1--

Document everything:

• Request & response.
• Steps to reproduce.
• Screenshots (where possible).

Step 8: Write a Professional Bug Report

A great finding can still be rejected if your report is sloppy.

Bug Report Template:

• Title: “Reflected XSS in search endpoint of example.com”
• Summary: What’s vulnerable, why it matters.
• Steps to Reproduce: Clear, numbered instructions.
• Impact: What an attacker could achieve.
• Proof of Concept (PoC): Code snippet or screenshot.

Pro Tip: Keep it clear, concise, and professional.

Step 9: Submit Your First Report

On HackerOne or Bugcrowd:

1. Select “Submit Report.”
2. Paste your report using the template.
3. Wait for triage—this may take days to weeks.

Tip: Be patient and keep testing while waiting.

Step 10: Learn, Iterate & Scale

Even rejected reports are learning opportunities. Check:

• Community write-ups.
• HackerOne “Hacktivity” (public reports).
• YouTube walkthroughs from top hunters.

Growth Path:

• Start with simple bugs (XSS, IDOR).
• Progress to advanced bugs (SSRF, RCE).
• Join private programs once you gain reputation.

Final Thoughts

Bug bounty hunting is not about instant riches—it’s about continuous learning and persistence. Your first bug may take weeks to find, but the skills you gain are priceless.

By following this guide, you now have a roadmap:

1. Join platforms.
2. Learn legal boundaries.
3. Master basic tools & OWASP Top 10.
4. Submit a clear, professional report.