Redazione RHC : 21 July 2025 08:12
A security bug, also known as a computer security bug, is a type of error or flaw in software that can be exploited by an attacker to compromise the security of a computer system.
These bugs can be caused by a variety of factors, including programming errors, system design or configuration issues, security vulnerabilities in third-party libraries or other software used by the system, and so on. In some cases, security bugs can also be introduced during software maintenance, such as through the application of inadequately tested patches or security updates.
Security bugs can be exploited by an attacker in a variety of ways, depending on the nature of the bug and the affected system. For example, a security flaw in a web application could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, execute malicious code on the system, perform denial-of-service attacks, or compromise other systems connected to the network.
It’s important to emphasize that security flaws have always been a reality in computer security, and no software is completely flawless. However, by adopting good software development and cybersecurity practices, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of introducing security bugs into computer systems and mitigate the effects of any bugs discovered by attackers.
A security bug is an error or flaw in software code that can be exploited by a hacker or malicious person to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or compromise data security.
To detect a security bug, security experts They use a variety of techniques, such as penetration testing and source code analysis. Penetration testing is conducted to identify security vulnerabilities by actively running attacks on the system. Static code analysis, on the other hand, involves analyzing the software’s source code to identify any vulnerabilities or security holes.
Once security bugs are discovered, developers can fix them by applying security patches or updating the software, although they need a proof of concept (PoC) demonstrating how the bug was exploited.
However, it’s important to note that fixing a single security bug doesn’t guarantee complete system security. Hackers can exploit multiple vulnerabilities to penetrate a system, so developers should constantly work to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.
Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD) is a process through which a security researcher who has discovered a bug informs a company or organization of a software vulnerability they have discovered so that it can be fixed before it is exploited by malicious actors.
In practice, the security researcher informs the company of the vulnerability and, if possible, provides a detailed description of the problem, the causes and possible solutions. The company, in turn, is committed to verifying the validity of the vulnerability and fixing it as quickly as possible. In this way, CVD aims to minimize the risk to end users and ensure the security of the software.
CVD is important because it allows for a balance between public disclosure of vulnerabilities and the need to fix security issues. When a security researcher discovers a vulnerability, they have several options for how to proceed. One option is to publicly disclose the vulnerability, but this can put end users using the software at risk. Alternatively, the researcher can directly inform the company, which is responsible for fixing the vulnerability as quickly as possible, without putting users at risk.
Furthermore, CVD is also important for promoting a cybersecurity culture based on collaboration between security researchers, companies, and end users. When security researchers inform companies of vulnerabilities, they can work with the researchers to improve the security of their software, thus avoiding future problems. This process can help create a more resilient and secure cybersecurity ecosystem for all users.
Once a security bug is detected, what is called a Proof of Concept (PoC) is written.
A Proof of Concept (PoC) refers to a practical example that demonstrates the presence and effectiveness of a security bug in a computer system.
A PoC is usually source code, a script, or an input/output example that concretely demonstrates the existence of a security vulnerability in the software, demonstrating the possibility of an attack. This can help developers and cybersecurity practitioners better understand the bug and develop a way to fix it.
PoCs can be used positively as a tool to improve cybersecurity, but they can also be used by hackers or cybercriminals to demonstrate the existence of a vulnerability and how to exploit it.
This can pose a threat to cybersecurity, as it can be used by attackers to create malware or conduct large-scale cyberattacks.
In short, a PoC is a practical example that demonstrates the existence of a security vulnerability in a computer system. It can be used to improve computer security, but also for malicious purposes by hackers or cybercriminals.
An exploit is code or technique used to exploit a security vulnerability in a computer system, in order to compromise the system’s security or gain unauthorized access.
Exploits can be used in various contexts and for different purposes. For example, exploits can be used to:
Exploits can be written in different programming languages and can be distributed in various ways, such as through malware, phishing emails, compromised websites, applications downloaded from untrusted sources, and so on.
It’s important to note that exploits are often specific to a particular vulnerability and software version, which means hackers must continually search for new vulnerabilities and develop new exploits to exploit them.
However, once a vulnerability is discovered, exploits can be widely distributed and used by multiple attackers.
It can still be difficult to tell the difference between a PoC and an exploit.
The main difference between a PoC and an exploit is their purpose. As we’ve seen, a PoC is a practical example that demonstrates the existence of a security vulnerability in a computer system, while an exploit is code or a technique used to exploit that vulnerability to gain unauthorized access or compromise the system’s security.
In other words, a PoC is a tool used by security experts to demonstrate that a vulnerability exists and works. Developers can then use the PoC to generate working exploits that are distributed at scale.
In short, a PoC is a tool used to demonstrate the existence of a security vulnerability, while an exploit is used to exploit that vulnerability for malicious purposes.
Computer security researchers can earn money through bug bounty programs. Generally, companies offer a financial reward for each reported vulnerability that is confirmed as valid and fixed. Rewards vary depending on the company and the severity of the discovered vulnerability, but can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
There are several platforms that collect bug bounty programs from different companies. Among these, the most popular are HackerOne, Bugcrowd, and Synack. These platforms offer cybersecurity researchers a list of active bug bounty programs, allowing them to select the ones they’re interested in.
Bug bounty programs are offered by various companies, including large tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Amazon, as well as by medium-sized and small businesses. Rewards for reported vulnerabilities can vary greatly depending on the company and the severity of the vulnerability.
For example, Google offered up to $31,337 for reporting critical vulnerabilities, while Facebook offered up to $40,000 for discovering similar vulnerabilities. However, most of the rewards offered by companies range between $500 and $5,000.
Additionally, some companies also offer ongoing bug bounty programs, which pay a monthly or annual reward to security researchers who regularly report vulnerabilities in their software.
In general, earnings from security bug research depend on the number of vulnerabilities discovered and their severity, but it can represent an attractive income opportunity for cybersecurity researchers with the right skills and knowledge.
So far, the person who has earned the most through bug bounty programs is Santiago Lopez, a young 19-year-old Argentine hacker. He has earned over a million dollars through bug bounty programs, working on platforms such as HackerOne and Bugcrowd.
Lopez has discovered over 1,600 security vulnerabilities at various companies, including Twitter, Verizon, and Shopify. Most of the vulnerabilities discovered were low or medium severity, but he also reported several critical vulnerabilities.
Santiago Lopez’s success demonstrates that security bug hunting can be a very lucrative profession for those with the right skills and abilities, and that bug bounty programs offer a good opportunity to earn money and advance a career in cybersecurity.
Redazione