In the context of cybersecurity bug bounties, "in scope" refers to the specific assets, systems, and applications that are included within the boundaries of a bug bounty program. It defines the targets that security researchers are authorized and encouraged to test for vulnerabilities.

Think of it like this: Imagine a bug bounty program as a treasure hunt. The "in scope" assets are the areas where the treasure (vulnerabilities) might be hidden. Security researchers are given a map (the scope) that clearly outlines where they can search.

Why is defining the scope crucial?

• Focuses Efforts: It guides researchers to concentrate their efforts on specific targets, ensuring they don't waste time testing systems that are not part of the program.

• Sets Boundaries: It establishes clear boundaries for researchers, preventing them from accidentally testing systems that are off-limits and potentially causing unintended harm.

• Manages Risk: It helps organizations manage risk by limiting the scope of testing to assets they are comfortable having scrutinized by external researchers.

• Clarifies Rewards: It ensures that researchers are only rewarded for finding vulnerabilities within the defined scope.

How is scope defined?

Organizations typically define the scope of their bug bounty programs in a detailed document that includes:

• List of In-Scope Assets: This could include web domains, IP addresses, mobile applications, API endpoints, or specific software versions.

• Excluded Assets: A clear list of assets that are explicitly excluded from the program, such as critical infrastructure, third-party systems, or sensitive internal systems.

• Vulnerability Types: Some programs might specify the types of vulnerabilities they are most interested in, such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, or remote code execution.

• Testing Rules: Guidelines on acceptable testing methods and behaviors, such as prohibiting denial-of-service attacks or social engineering.

Examples:

• In scope: *.example.com (all subdomains of example.com)

• Out of scope: internal.example.com (a specific subdomain excluded from testing)

By clearly defining what is "in scope," bug bounty programs ensure that security researchers can effectively and responsibly contribute to improving an organization's security posture.

ThreatNG can be a powerful solution for security researchers participating in bug bounty programs, helping them identify and focus on "in scope" assets to maximize their efficiency and rewards. Here's how:

1. Identifying In-Scope Assets:

• Domain Intelligence: ThreatNG's Domain Intelligence module can identify organizations with active bug bounty programs. More importantly, it can often distinguish between in-scope and out-of-scope assets, providing crucial information for researchers to target their efforts effectively.

• Attack Surface Mapping: ThreatNG's comprehensive attack surface mapping capabilities help researchers identify all internet-facing assets associated with an organization, including subdomains, IP addresses, cloud services, and exposed APIs. By cross-referencing this information with the bug bounty program's scope, researchers can quickly identify which assets are eligible for testing.

2. Staying Within Scope:

• Continuous Monitoring: ThreatNG's constant monitoring capabilities alert researchers to changes in the target's attack surface. This helps ensure they remain within the defined scope, even as the organization's infrastructure evolves.

• Collaboration and Reporting: ThreatNG's collaboration features allow researchers to communicate with the organization's security team, clarify any questions about the scope, and ensure they are testing the right assets.

3. Maximizing Efficiency and Rewards:

• Prioritization: By focusing on in-scope assets with high-risk scores from ThreatNG's various vulnerability assessment modules, researchers can prioritize their efforts and increase the likelihood of finding valid vulnerabilities and receiving rewards.

• Avoiding Unnecessary Testing: Understanding the scope helps researchers prevent wasting time and resources on testing out-of-scope assets, which would not be eligible for rewards.

Complementary Solutions:

ThreatNG can be further enhanced by integrating with other tools:

• Bug Bounty Platforms: These platforms often provide detailed scope information for their programs. Integrating ThreatNG with these platforms can help researchers automatically filter and prioritize targets based on the defined scope.

By leveraging ThreatNG's capabilities and integrating it with complementary solutions, security researchers can effectively navigate the scope of bug bounty programs, focus their efforts on eligible targets, and increase their chances of success.