Web Bounty Hunting

A Practical Guide to Ethical Bug Hunting and Web Security
1. Auflage 2027
ISBN: 978-1-041-33804-8
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 232 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm

Web Bounty Hunting: A Practical Guide to Ethical Bug Hunting and Web Security is a hands-on roadmap for entering and excelling in the world of bug bounty programmes and ethical web security testing. Written in a practical and easy-to-follow style, the book demystifies the process of finding security vulnerabilities and reporting them responsibly, empowering readers to contribute to a safer digital world while building valuable skills and career opportunities.

The book begins with a clear introduction to bug bounty programmes, explaining what they are, why organisations invest in them, and how ethical hackers can legally and responsibly participate. It establishes the ethical framework crucial to bug hunting, ensuring readers understand not only how to discover flaws but also how to act responsibly and avoid legal pitfalls.

A core strength of the book is its hands-on approach. Readers are guided through the fundamentals of web security, including HTTP and HTTPS basics, application architectures, and key terminology such as CWE, CVE, and CVSS. From there the book leads readers in setting up a secure testing lab with the right operating systems, tools, and frameworks, providing a safe environment to practise before going live.

The heart of the book focuses on reconnaissance techniques and vulnerability categories aligned with industry standards such as the OWASP Top 10. Readers explore practical examples of real-world flaws, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), broken authentication, file upload vulnerabilities, IDOR, SSRF, and more. Each section is enriched with case studies and tool demonstrations that make even complex concepts accessible to beginners. Unusually, the book emphasises practical tool use, ranging from Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP to custom automation scripts and curated GitHub repositories, so readers can replicate the methodologies successful bounty hunters use every day.

Beyond the technical, the book provides essential guidance on reporting vulnerabilities effectively. Readers learn how to write clear, professional reports with actionable proofs of concept and how to avoid the mistakes that cost recognition or rewards. The book also highlights how to choose the right programmes on platforms such as HackerOne and Bugcrowd and how to build a professional, respected reputation in the ethical hacking ecosystem.

Whether you are a student, a budding ethical hacker, or a seasoned IT professional seeking to expand into security, this book is a practical, structured, and empowering resource. With its blend of technical depth, ethical grounding, and career guidance, it serves as a launchpad into the world of ethical hacking.

Zielgruppe

Professional Practice & Development, Professional Reference, and Professional Training

Autoren/Hrsg.

Tanwar, Rohit

Lal, Harsh Bardhan

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Web Bounty Hunting. Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Environment. Chapter 3: Reconnaissance Techniques. Chapter 4: Vulnerabilities: Understanding What You Are Hunting For. Chapter 5: Reporting: Communicating Your Findings Like a Professional. Chapter 6: Hands-on Tools and Scripts. Chapter 7: Popular Platforms and Programs. Chapter 8: Case Studies: From Observation to Professional Report.

Über Autor(innen)

Dr. Rohit Tanwar is an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, India. With more than 14 years of teaching and research experience, he has contributed to information security, network security, cryptography, and steganography. He has authored and edited several books with leading publishers including CRC Press and Wiley, and his research output includes numerous publications in SCIE and Scopus-indexed journals alongside granted patents in data security and IoT-enabled safety systems.

Harsh Bardhan Lal is a B.Tech student in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, India. With a deep passion for bug bounty, cybersecurity, and ethical hacking, he has discovered and reported vulnerabilities on several platforms, including NASA (via Bugcrowd), the Samarth Portal, LetsShave, the Haryana Police FIR portal (reported via NCIIPC), and Emotorad. He has also delivered numerous cyber awareness sessions and completed an internship with the Haryana Cyber Police, where he earned first rank and official recognition.