How to get your first valid bug by reading disclosed reports

Muthu D
3 min readAug 25, 2024

By Muthu D

For those just starting in the bug bounty world, finding that first valid vulnerability and getting your name in a Hall of Fame can feel like a huge milestone. One often overlooked area where new researchers can make an impact is in identifying instances where sensitive information hasn’t been properly redacted in disclosed reports. While these findings might not always lead to a bounty, they can earn you recognition and a spot in a company’s Hall of Fame — a great way to kickstart your bug bounty journey.

The Overlooked Vulnerability: Unredacted Sensitive Information

During my time reviewing disclosed reports, I’ve come across instances where sensitive information — like session cookies, API keys, or system configurations — wasn’t properly redacted. This is a vulnerability that’s easy to spot if you know what to look for, and it’s an excellent opportunity for new bug bounty hunters to make a mark.

When companies disclose vulnerability reports, they sometimes overlook critical details, leaving sensitive information visible in videos, screenshots, or code snippets. As a bug bounty hunter, your job is to catch these slips before they can be exploited.

Takeaway:

By focusing on reports where sensitive data hasn’t been properly hidden, you can find vulnerabilities that others might miss. Even though these issues often result in a Hall…

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Muthu D
Muthu D

Written by Muthu D

🔒 Muthu - Bug Bounty Hunter | Secured Google, Microsoft, Apple, Github and more. Join me on Anonysm's quest for a safer digital world.

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