Out-of-Scope Bug Bounty (or Out-of-Scope Assets)
Out-of-Scope Bug Bounty (or Out-of-Scope Assets): Refers to the systems, applications, and domains explicitly excluded from a bug bounty program. Security researchers are not permitted to test these assets for vulnerabilities, and any findings related to them will not be eligible for rewards. Testing out-of-scope assets may even result in disciplinary action or legal consequences.
Why this works:
Clear Definition: Provides a straightforward explanation of the term.
Contextual: Connects the term to bug bounty programs.
Consequences: Clearly states the implications for researchers who test out-of-scope assets.
Alternative Term: Offers a slightly shorter alternative ("Out-of-Scope Assets").
This definition emphasizes the importance of respecting the defined scope and highlights the potential consequences of straying outside it. You can adjust the wording to match your glossary's style and intended audience.
In cybersecurity bug bounties, "out-of-scope" refers to the specific assets, systems, and applications excluded from the boundaries of a bug bounty program. These are the targets that security researchers are not permitted to test for vulnerabilities.
Think of it like this: if a bug bounty program is a treasure hunt within a designated area, "out-of-scope" assets are the places outside the permitted zone. Researchers are explicitly told not to go there.
Why is it important to define what's out-of-scope?
Protects Critical Systems: Organizations often exclude sensitive systems, critical infrastructure, or third-party systems to prevent accidental damage or disruption caused by security testing.
Manages Risk: By clearly defining out-of-scope assets, organizations can manage risk and ensure that researchers don't inadvertently access sensitive data or disrupt essential services.
Focuses Efforts: It helps researchers focus their time and energy on in-scope targets, where their findings will be rewarded.
Prevents Legal Issues: Testing out-of-scope systems could be considered unauthorized access, potentially leading to legal consequences for the researcher.
What might be considered out-of-scope?
Specific Domains or Subdomains: e.g., payment.example.com might be excluded if it handles sensitive financial data.
IP Address Ranges: e.g., a range of IP addresses belonging to a third-party provider.
Development or Staging Environments: Organizations might exclude non-production environments to prevent disruption of testing or development activities.
Acquired Companies or Systems: Newly acquired companies or systems might be temporarily out of scope until fully integrated.
Consequences of testing out-of-scope assets:
No Reward: Researchers will not be rewarded for vulnerabilities in out-of-scope assets.
Program Ban: They may be banned from participating in the bug bounty program.
Legal Action: Sometimes, testing out-of-scope systems could lead to legal repercussions.
Clearly defining what is "out-of-scope" is crucial for the success and safety of bug bounty programs. It protects the organization and the researchers, ensuring that everyone understands the boundaries and can work together effectively.
ThreatNG can be extremely helpful in identifying and avoiding "out-of-scope" assets in bug bounty programs, preventing accidental violations and potential negative consequences for researchers. Here's how:
1. Identifying Out-of-Scope Assets:
Domain Intelligence: ThreatNG's Domain Intelligence module can often identify organizations with active bug bounty programs and, crucially, distinguish between in-scope and out-of-scope assets. This provides clear guidance for researchers to avoid targeting prohibited systems.
Attack Surface Mapping: ThreatNG's comprehensive attack surface mapping capabilities help researchers identify all internet-facing assets associated with an organization. By comparing this information with the bug bounty program's scope, researchers can determine which assets are out-of-scope and should be avoided.
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. New assets that appear may be out-of-scope until explicitly included in the program.
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. If there's any doubt about an asset, it's always best to confirm with the program administrators.
3. Avoiding Negative Consequences:
Preventing Accidental Targeting: By clearly identifying out-of-scope assets, ThreatNG helps researchers avoid accidentally testing prohibited systems, preventing potential legal issues or program bans.
Focusing on In-Scope Assets: ThreatNG helps researchers prioritize their efforts on in-scope assets with high-risk scores, maximizing their efficiency and increasing the likelihood of finding valid vulnerabilities and receiving rewards.
Complementary Solutions:
ThreatNG can be further enhanced by integrating with other tools:
Bug Bounty Platforms (HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Synack): 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, minimizing the risk of targeting out-of-scope assets.
By leveraging ThreatNG's capabilities and integrating them with complementary solutions, security researchers can effectively navigate the scope of bug bounty programs, avoid out-of-scope assets, and focus their efforts on eligible targets, ensuring a safe and productive bug-hunting experience.
