Essential Cybersecurity Commands and Techniques for Bug Bounty Hunters and Penetration Testers

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Introduction

Bug bounty hunting and penetration testing require a deep understanding of cybersecurity tools, commands, and techniques. Whether you’re targeting Web2, Web3, or enterprise systems, mastering key commands in Linux, Windows, and security frameworks is crucial. This article covers verified commands, exploitation methods, and hardening practices for aspiring and experienced security professionals.

Learning Objectives

  • Learn critical Linux and Windows commands for vulnerability assessment and exploitation.
  • Understand API security testing and cloud hardening techniques.
  • Master bug bounty hunting workflows, including reconnaissance and reporting.

You Should Know

1. Linux Reconnaissance with `nmap`

Command:

nmap -sV -A -T4 target.com

What it does:

Performs an aggressive scan (-A) with version detection (-sV) and fast execution (-T4). Ideal for identifying open ports, services, and potential vulnerabilities.

Step-by-Step:

1. Install `nmap` if missing:

sudo apt install nmap  Debian/Ubuntu

2. Run the scan against a target domain/IP.

  1. Analyze results for misconfigured services (e.g., outdated Apache versions).

2. Windows Privilege Escalation with `whoami /priv`

Command:

whoami /priv

What it does:

Lists privileges of the current user, helping identify potential escalation paths (e.g., `SeImpersonatePrivilege` for token impersonation).

Step-by-Step:

1. Open Command Prompt as a low-privilege user.

2. Execute the command.

  1. If `SeDebugPrivilege` is enabled, abuse it to inject into high-privilege processes.

3. API Security Testing with `curl`

Command:

curl -X POST https://api.target.com/v1/auth --data '{"user":"admin","password":"test"}'

What it does:

Tests authentication endpoints for weak credentials or improper error handling.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Use `curl` to send malformed inputs (e.g., SQLi in JSON payloads).
  2. Check responses for verbose errors or 500 status codes.
  3. Fuzz endpoints with tools like `ffuf` or Burp Suite.

4. Cloud Hardening: Restricting S3 Buckets

AWS CLI Command:

aws s3api put-bucket-policy --bucket my-bucket --policy file://policy.json

What it does:

Applies a strict policy to prevent public access. Example policy.json: 

{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [{ 
"Effect": "Deny", 
"Principal": "", 
"Action": "s3:GetObject", 
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::my-bucket/" 
}] 
}

Step-by-Step:

1. Audit bucket permissions:

aws s3api get-bucket-acl --bucket my-bucket

2. Apply the policy to block unauthorized access.

5. Exploiting SQL Injection with `sqlmap`

Command:

sqlmap -u "https://target.com/search?id=1" --dbs

What it does:

Automates SQLi detection and database enumeration.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Identify a vulnerable parameter (e.g., `?id=1’` triggering errors).
  2. Dump database names with --dbs, then tables with -D db_name --tables.

3. Mitigation: Use parameterized queries in code.

6. Detecting Log4j Vulnerabilities

Command:

grep -r "org.apache.logging.log4j" /path/to/codebase

What it does:

Searches for vulnerable Log4j dependencies in projects.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Scan code or JAR files for Log4j versions ≤2.17.0.
  2. Patch by upgrading to 2.17.1+ or removing JNDI lookups.
    1. Windows Firewall Rule for Attack Surface Reduction

PowerShell Command:

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block RDP" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 3389 -Action Block

What it does:

Blocks inbound RDP traffic to prevent brute-force attacks.

Step-by-Step:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

  1. Create rules for high-risk ports (e.g., 445 for SMB).

What Undercode Say

  • Key Takeaway 1: Automation (e.g., sqlmap, nmap) accelerates testing but manual validation is critical for complex vulnerabilities.
  • Key Takeaway 2: Cloud misconfigurations (e.g., open S3 buckets) are low-hanging fruit for attackers—always enforce least privilege.

Analysis:

The rise of Web3 and API-driven architectures expands attack surfaces. Bug bounty hunters must adapt by mastering blockchain security (e.g., smart contract audits) and modern toolchains. Meanwhile, enterprises should prioritize log analysis (e.g., detecting `Log4j` exploitation) and zero-trust models.

Prediction

By 2025, AI-powered tools (e.g., GPT-4 for phishing detection) will dominate defensive workflows, but attackers will equally leverage AI for polymorphic malware. Continuous training (e.g., OSCP, CISSP) and community collaboration (like bugbounty hashtags) will remain indispensable.

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Trilokdhaked Web – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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