Fake bug bounty writeup exposed #bugbounty #bugbountytips #bugbountyhunter

Introduction

In the world of bug bounties, it’s crucial to critically evaluate the legitimacy of write-ups. Recently, I came across a write-up that purportedly detailed an exploitation of an authentication bypass vulnerability. At first glance, details in the write-up raised several red flags suggesting it might not be genuine.

The author claims to have discovered a basic escort injection pilot being used to bypass authentication. However, upon deeper examination, it's hard to validate the findings. The framework in question is built upon Django’s authenticate method, which has been widely used and trusted without such vulnerabilities, especially considering that in 2018, it was already well-established as a secure method.

Furthermore, the write-up makes bold claims about finding 10,000 orders and 800 user accounts linked to a specific URL—one that was initially not redacted but later appeared to reference localhost. Testing locally with exposed URLs raises further questions. It is nearly impossible to access customer information or a large volume of orders without proper permissions unless these records belong to the tester.

In addition, the bounty hunter claims to have received a reward of $ 2,000 for their effort. However, upon investigating their HackerOne profile, it became apparent that they are not featured on the Django or Internet Bug Bounty leaderboards—another indicator that their claims might lack credibility.

Overall, the entirety of the write-up feels fabricated. Based on the lack of evidence, disconnected claims, and inconsistencies, I am 99% sure that this write-up is fake.

Keyword

• Bug bounty
• Authentication bypass
• Django
• Vulnerability
• Write-up legitimacy
• HackerOne
• Fake claims

FAQ

1. What is a bug bounty?
A bug bounty is a program that incentivizes individuals to find and report software vulnerabilities, often offering monetary rewards for their discoveries.

2. How can I determine if a bug bounty write-up is legitimate?
To evaluate a write-up's authenticity, consider checking the technical details, verifying against known frameworks, and researching the author's credentials and history in bug bounty programs.

3. What are common red flags in bug bounty write-ups?
Common red flags include vague or exaggerated claims, discrepancies between reported findings and how systems behave, and a lack of evidence supporting the claims.

4. Why is it important to evaluate bug bounty write-ups critically?
Critical evaluation helps maintain the integrity of the bug bounty program and prevents the spread of misinformation, ensuring that genuine vulnerabilities are prioritized and addressed.