Bug Bounty | Why It's SO HARD to Find An XSS Bug When You're a Beginner #bugbounty #cybersecurity

When starting out in bug bounty hunting, the initial stages often involve a lot of reconnaissance and enumeration. This typically means running various frameworks to discover as many hidden subdomains as possible, aiming to extend your attack surface. The reason for this approach is to uncover subdomains that perhaps have not yet been scrutinized by other researchers.

One prevalent issue I frequently encounter from beginner researchers is regarding client-side injections, a topic that arguably dominates around 90% to 95% of the questions I receive. This has motivated me to create a comprehensive guide addressing common concerns in this area.

However, it's crucial to acknowledge that there are numerous other researchers also focusing on client-side testing. Given the finite number of vulnerabilities present, competition is fierce. This is why I advocate for diversifying your efforts to include testing for vulnerabilities such as Insecure Direct Object References (IDORs) and access control flaws. These areas typically present more opportunities, offer various attack vectors, and attract fewer researchers, thus reducing competition.

For those still interested in testing for client-side injections, it's important to approach it with a well-structured strategy. While these vulnerabilities can indeed be valuable, understanding the landscape and employing thorough testing techniques will vastly improve your chances of discovery.

Keyword

Client-side injection
Reconnaissance
Enumeration
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR)
Access control flaws
Attack surface

FAQ

Q: Why should I focus on finding hidden subdomains? A: Finding hidden subdomains allows you to expand your attack surface and potentially discover areas that other researchers have not yet tested.

Q: What makes client-side injections so challenging for beginners? A: Client-side injections, like XSS, are popular targets due to their visibility and impact. As a result, many researchers are already testing for them, creating a competitive landscape with a limited number of vulnerabilities.

Q: Are there easier vulnerabilities to test for than client-side injections? A: Yes, focusing on vulnerabilities such as IDORs and access control flaws can be more fruitful. These areas often have more opportunities for discovery and attract fewer researchers.

Q: How should I strategize my testing for client-side injections? A: Develop a thorough understanding of the application’s structure, automate as much of the testing process as possible, and stay updated with the latest techniques and tools for detecting client-side vulnerabilities.