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How to hunt for smart contract vulnerabilities on bug bounties

How to Hunt for Smart Contract Vulnerabilities on Bug Bounties

Hunting for smart contract bugs can be a ludicrously well-paying job if done right. Here are some invaluable tips from a successful bug hunter who found a $ 2.2 million bounty bug.

1. Find a Project and Search for Bugs

Anybody looking to get into this space should first try to find a project and search for bugs within it. It's an essential learning experience that sets the foundation for all future endeavors.

2. Find a Bug and Search for Projects

After familiarizing yourself with the landscape, the next step is to find a specific bug and then search for other projects that might have similar vulnerabilities. This tactic can uncover widespread issues across multiple platforms.

3. Be Fast with New Updates

Speed is your ally. Stay updated with new releases and updates of smart contracts. As soon as new code is deployed, there might be new vulnerabilities that you can identify and report before others do.

4. Be Creative with Finding Your Edge

Creativity is crucial. Think outside the box to discover unique approaches and techniques to find bugs that others might miss.

5. Know Your Tooling

Having a strong grasp of the tools used in bug hunting is vital. Familiarize yourself with the most effective tools for static and dynamic analysis of smart contracts.

6. Don't Be Afraid of Audited Projects

Many of the projects with vulnerabilities pinpointed by Leon, a renowned bug hunter, were actually audited by top firms. Audited doesn't mean flawless; it just means they've been scrutinized. Don't shy away from these projects.

7. Find Your Niche

Find specific industry knowledge that only you possess. Specialize in a particular area to become the go-to expert for vulnerabilities in that domain.

Conclusion

Leon’s biggest advice for anyone looking to get into the field of bug bounty hunting is to find your edge. Using the skills outlined above will help you stand out in a competitive space.

Keywords

  • Smart Contract Bugs
  • Bug Bounty
  • Vulnerabilities
  • Audited Projects
  • Industry Knowledge
  • Tooling
  • Creative Techniques

FAQ

Q1: How do I start hunting for smart contract bugs?

A1: Start by picking a project and thoroughly searching for any bugs within it. This will build your foundational knowledge and prepare you for more advanced bug hunting.

Q2: Why should I look for bugs in audited projects?

A2: Audited projects are not immune to flaws. Experienced bug hunters like Leon have found significant vulnerabilities in top-audited projects, making them a valuable target.

Q3: How important is speed in bug bounty hunting?

A3: Extremely important. Being fast with identifying new updates and potential bugs can provide you with a competitive edge in reporting vulnerabilities first.

Q4: What is the significance of finding a niche in bug bounty hunting?

A4: Having specialized knowledge in a specific area can set you apart and allow you to be the expert in detecting vulnerabilities in that niche.

Q5: What tools should I be familiar with for hunting bugs?

A5: Familiarize yourself with both static and dynamic analysis tools for smart contracts. Knowledge of these tools will greatly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in finding vulnerabilities.

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