Bug bounty hunters rely heavily on open-source and free tools to perform reconnaissance, scanning, and exploitation. Here’s a list of the best tools you can use — all free and beginner-friendly.
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Burp Suite Community Edition
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- Use: Web application testing and traffic interception
- Features: Proxy, Repeater, Decoder, Intruder (limited in free version)
- Why it’s great: Industry standard for web app testing
Sublist3r
- Use: Subdomain enumeration
- Command Example: python sublist3r.py -d target.com
- Why it’s great: Fast, lightweight, easy to use
Amass
- Use: In-depth asset discovery and passive DNS
- Best for: Bug bounty recon
- Command Example: amass enum -d target.com
Nmap
- Use: Network scanning and port discovery
- Command Example: nmap -A target.com
- Why it’s great: Powerful and flexible
Httpx
- Use: Find live hosts quickly
- Command Example: cat domains.txt | httpx
- Why it’s great: Great for filtering out live assets
WhatWeb
- Use: Technology fingerprinting
- Command Example: whatweb target.com
Nikto
- Use: Scan for outdated software and vulnerabilities
- Command: nikto -h target.com
Bonus Tools:
