Bug bounty programs are initiatives that invite security researchers, ethical hackers, and the general public to find and report security vulnerabilities in software and web applications. Here are some common types of bugs that participants might discover in bug bounty programs:
1. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): XSS vulnerabilities occur when an application allows the injection of malicious scripts into web pages. This can lead to the execution of unauthorized code in the context of a user's browser.
2. SQL Injection: SQL injection happens when an attacker is able to manipulate an application's SQL query by injecting malicious SQL code. This can lead to unauthorized access to databases and manipulation of data.
3. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): CSRF vulnerabilities allow attackers to perform actions on behalf of an authenticated user without their consent. This often involves tricking the user into unknowingly submitting a request.
4. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF): SSRF vulnerabilities allow attackers to make requests to internal resources from the perspective of the vulnerable server. This can lead to unauthorized access to internal systems.
5. Security Misconfigurations: These occur when a system is not securely configured. This could include default credentials, unnecessary services running, or improper access controls.
6. Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR): IDOR vulnerabilities arise when an application provides access to objects based on user-supplied input. Attackers can manipulate references to gain unauthorized access to data.
7. Remote Code Execution (RCE): RCE vulnerabilities allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on a remote server. This is often a severe issue, as it can lead to complete compromise of the system.
8. Authentication Bypass: These vulnerabilities enable an attacker to gain unauthorized access to an account or system without the correct credentials.
9. Sensitive Data Exposure: This occurs when an application exposes sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data without proper protection.
10. Clickjacking: Clickjacking involves tricking users into clicking on something different from what they perceive, potentially leading them to perform unintended actions.
11. Information Disclosure: This can involve the unintentional exposure of sensitive information, such as server configurations or internal system details.
12. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: DoS vulnerabilities can lead to the disruption of services by overwhelming the target system with a flood of requests.
Bug bounty programs often reward security researchers based on the severity and impact of the reported vulnerabilities. It's essential for participants to adhere to the program's guidelines and rules while responsibly disclosing any discovered issues.