Bug Bounty Roadmap | Cyber Security Roadmap | Pentester Roadmap | Ethical Hacker Roadmap

A bug bounty roadmap is a strategic guide to help you navigate the world of ethical hacking and bug hunting. It outlines the skills, tools, and methodologies you need to become proficient in finding and reporting vulnerabilities in various systems. Here’s a comprehensive roadmap to get you started.

1. Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

• Basic Networking: Understand TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, and other essential networking concepts.
• Operating Systems: Get comfortable with Linux and Windows.
• Web Technologies: Learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and how web applications work.
• Cybersecurity Basics: Study common security concepts like encryption, authentication, authorization, etc.

2. Learn Programming/Scripting

• Essential
  • Web Hacking: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, PHP
  • Scripting: Bash, Python, C++
• Optional
  • Web Hacking: NodeJS, ReactJs, PHP Frameworks, Python Frameworks, Ruby Frameworks etc
  • Scripting: GoLang, Rust, Ruby etc
  • Other: Java, .NET, C#

3. Understanding Vulnerabilities

• OWASP Top 10: Master the most critical web application security risks. Lab: OWASP TOP10 TryHackMe
• Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE): Learn about well-known vulnerabilities.
• Exploit Databases: Study real-world exploits from platforms like Exploit-DB.
• Read Disclosed Bugs, PoCs and Bug Bounty Writeups Example: Hackerone Hacktivity, Hackerone Reports by reddelexc, writeup-db.com etc.

4. Setting Up a Lab

• Virtualization: Use tools like VirtualBox, VMware, or Docker to create isolated environments.
• Vulnerable Applications: Practice on intentionally vulnerable applications (DVWA, OWASP Juice Shop, etc.).
• Pentesting OS: Use Kali Linux, Parrot OS, or BackBox for your testing environment.

5. Learning Methodologies

• Reconnaissance: Master tools like Nmap, Nikto, and Burp Suite for gathering information.
• Enumeration: Learn to identify open ports, services, and vulnerabilities.
• Exploitation: Understand how to exploit different types of vulnerabilities.
• Post-Exploitation: Practice techniques to maintain access and escalate privileges.

6. Web Application Testing

• Burp Suite: Learn to intercept, manipulate, and replay HTTP requests.
• SQL Injection: Practice on SQL injection challenges and real-world applications.
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Learn to identify and exploit XSS vulnerabilities.
• CSRF, SSRF, XXE, IDOR: Understand less common but critical vulnerabilities.

7. Mobile Application Testing

• Android: Learn about APK reverse engineering, decompiling, and analyzing mobile applications.
• iOS: Study iOS application security and jailbreaking techniques.

8. Networking & Infrastructure Testing

• Port Scanning & Fingerprinting: Use Nmap, Masscan, and other tools to discover services.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Automate scans with tools like OpenVAS and Nessus.
• Network Exploits: Practice network-related vulnerabilities like SMB, FTP, and RDP.

9. Reporting Vulnerabilities

• Writing Reports: Learn to write clear, concise, and reproducible vulnerability reports.
• Communicating with Vendors: Understand responsible disclosure practices.
• Bug Bounty Platforms: Get familiar with platforms like HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Synack.

10. Continuous Learning

• CTF Challenges: Participate in Capture The Flag competitions.
• Bug Bounty Programs: Start participating in live bug bounty programs.
• Certifications: Consider certifications like OSCP, CEH, or eLearnSecurity certifications.
• Join Communities: Engage with the cybersecurity community through forums, social media, and conferences.

11. Advanced Techniques

• Binary Exploitation: Learn about buffer overflows, format string vulnerabilities, etc.
• Reverse Engineering: Get comfortable with tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, and OllyDbg.
• Malware Analysis: Study common malware techniques and how to analyze malicious code.

12. Automating Workflows

• Python & Bash Scripting: Automate repetitive tasks and create custom tools.
• Automated Recon Tools: Use tools like Amass, Sublist3r, and Aquatone.
• Continuous Integration: Integrate security testing into CI/CD pipelines.

13. Real-World Practice

• Private Bug Bounty Programs: Once confident, apply to private programs that offer more challenging environments.
• Advanced Target Recon: Research and select targets with less competition but high value.

14. Building a Portfolio

• Writeups: Document your findings and create writeups on platforms like Medium or your blog.
• Public Repos: Share your tools, scripts, and methodologies on GitHub.
• Certifications: Display your certifications and achievements.

15. Staying Updated

• Security Feeds: Follow blogs, Twitter accounts, and forums to stay updated with the latest vulnerabilities.
• Conferences & Talks: Attend or watch recordings from conferences like DEFCON, Black Hat, and OWASP.

Conclusion

Following this roadmap will provide a strong foundation in bug bounty hunting, from basic knowledge to advanced exploitation techniques. Consistency, practice, and community engagement are key to success in this field.