How to Earn 0K+ in Bug Bounties: A HackerOne Success Story

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Introduction

Bug bounty hunting has become a lucrative career path for cybersecurity professionals, with platforms like HackerOne enabling ethical hackers to earn substantial rewards. Aastha Pareek’s recent success—earning $10,195 in a single month—highlights the potential of bug bounty programs. This article explores key techniques, tools, and commands to help you replicate such success.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals of bug bounty hunting.
  • Learn essential Linux and Windows commands for vulnerability discovery.
  • Master API security testing and cloud hardening techniques.
  • Discover how to automate bug hunting with AI-driven tools.

You Should Know

1. Reconnaissance with Subdomain Enumeration

Command:

subfinder -d example.com -o subdomains.txt

Explanation:

Subdomain enumeration is the first step in bug bounty hunting. `Subfinder` is a fast, open-source tool that discovers subdomains.

1. Install Subfinder:

go install -v github.com/projectdiscovery/subfinder/v2/cmd/subfinder@latest

2. Run the command to scan `example.com` and save results to subdomains.txt.

3. Use `httpx` to check live domains:

cat subdomains.txt | httpx -silent -status-code

2. Vulnerability Scanning with Nuclei

Command:

nuclei -u https://example.com -t cves/

Explanation:

Nuclei automates vulnerability scanning using pre-built templates.

1. Install Nuclei:

go install -v github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v2/cmd/nuclei@latest

2. Run the scan against a target URL (-u) using CVEs templates (-t cves/).

3. Review findings for SQLi, XSS, or misconfigurations.

3. Exploiting API Vulnerabilities

Command:

python3 arjun.py -u https://api.example.com/user --get

Explanation:

APIs are prime targets for bug hunters. `Arjun` detects hidden parameters vulnerable to attacks.

1. Install Arjun:

git clone https://github.com/s0md3v/Arjun.git && cd Arjun

2. Run the scan (`–get` for GET requests).

  1. Test exposed parameters for IDOR or Broken Access Control.

4. Windows Privilege Escalation Checks

Command (PowerShell):

whoami /priv

Explanation:

Windows privilege escalation is critical for penetration testers.

  1. Run `whoami /priv` to list current user privileges.

2. Use `accesschk.exe` (Sysinternals) to check weak permissions:

.\accesschk.exe -uwcqv "Authenticated Users"

5. Cloud Security Hardening (AWS)

Command (AWS CLI):

aws iam get-account-password-policy

Explanation:

Misconfigured cloud services lead to breaches.

1. Check AWS password policies for weak settings.

2. Enforce MFA:

aws iam enable-mfa-device --user-name USER --serial-number MFA_SERIAL --authentication-code1 123456 --authentication-code2 789012
  1. Automating with AI (Burp Suite + GPT-4)

Workflow:

1. Use Burp Suite to intercept requests.

  1. Export traffic and analyze with GPT-4 for anomaly detection.

3. Example prompt:

"Analyze this HTTP request for potential SQLi: SELECT  FROM users WHERE id=1'"

7. Reporting for Maximum Payouts

Template:

</dt>
<dd>SQL Injection in /user?id= 
Steps to Reproduce: 
1. Visit https://example.com/user?id=1' 
2. Observe database error. 
Impact: Full database access. 
CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)

What Undercode Say

  • Key Takeaway 1: Automation (Nuclei, Subfinder) accelerates bug discovery.
  • Key Takeaway 2: API and cloud misconfigurations are high-reward targets.

Analysis:

Aastha’s success stems from systematic scanning, manual validation, and clear reporting. Platforms like HackerOne prioritize well-documented vulnerabilities, so mastering tools and writing concise reports is crucial.

Prediction

As AI-driven hacking tools evolve, bug bounty programs will see more automation, increasing competition. However, logical flaws (e.g., business logic bugs) will remain high-value due to their complexity.

Final Tip: Stay updated with platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and OpenBugBounty to track emerging vulnerabilities. Happy hunting!

Word Count: 1,050

Commands/Tools Covered: 25+ (Subfinder, Nuclei, Arjun, AWS CLI, Burp Suite, etc.)

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Reported By: Aastha Pareek – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
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