✳️Mastering the Art of Writing Clear and Effective Vulnerabilities Report

Introduction:

In the realm of cybersecurity, one of the most crucial skills for a security researcher is the ability to craft concise and clear XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) vulnerability reports. A well-written report not only aids in quicker issue reproduction and resolution but also reduces the chances of exploitation. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the components of a high-quality XSS vulnerability report and share valuable tips and insights gained through experience.

Step 1: Craft a Descriptive Title and Summary

The foundation of a top-notch XSS vulnerability report lies in its title and summary. These elements should convey essential information to the security team promptly. To achieve this, the report's title should be descriptive enough to provide an immediate understanding of the reported XSS issue and its potential severity. For example, consider the difference between these two titles:

Report Title:

1. Reflected XSS on a critical web page

Improved Report Title: 2. Reflected XSS in "https://example.com/login" compromises user accounts

In the second title, the security engineer gains a clear understanding of the issue's scope in a matter of seconds. The summary section complements the title by offering additional details that couldn't be included in the title, such as the payload used for the attack and its impact.

Report Summary:

• The "https://example.com/login" page is susceptible to a reflected XSS attack.

• The vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts into the login page, potentially compromising user accounts.

Step 2: Include a Severity Assessment

Incorporating an honest assessment of the XSS vulnerability's severity is immensely helpful. This assessment assists the security team in prioritizing and addressing vulnerabilities efficiently. To assess severity, consider the potential impact of the XSS attack on users and the application. Provide an accurate assessment based on the type of XSS vulnerability (e.g., reflected, stored, or DOM-based) and its potential consequences.

Severity of the issue: High

Step 3: Give Clear Steps to Reproduce

Detailed instructions for reproducing the XSS vulnerability are paramount. Assume that the reader has limited knowledge of the application's intricacies and provide step-by-step instructions. The more specific, the better. Compare these two examples:

Steps to reproduce (Basic):

• Visit "https://example.com/login" and input an alert script in the username field.

• Click the "Submit" button to trigger the alert.

Steps to reproduce (Comprehensive):

• Navigate to the login page on "https://example.com/login."

• In the username field, input the following payload: <script>alert('XSS Attack');</script>.

• Click the "Submit" button to execute the script.

• Observe the pop-up alert, confirming the XSS vulnerability.

The second example leaves no room for ambiguity, expediting the vulnerability mitigation process.

Step 4: Provide a Proof of Concept

For complex XSS vulnerabilities, it's beneficial to include a "proof" of the issue. This can be a video or photo demonstration, crafted URLs, scripts, or uploaded files used during validation. A well-documented Proof of Concept (PoC) saves time for the security team and streamlines the resolution process.

Step 5: Describe Impact and Attack Scenarios

Help the reader envision how a malicious attacker could exploit the XSS vulnerability. Consider different attack scenarios and escalate the potential impact. This assists the client company in determining the urgency of the fix and the need for further investigations.

Step 6: Recommend Possible Mitigations

If you have a solid grasp of the issue's root cause, consider recommending potential mitigations. Your insight can save time and effort in researching solutions for the security team. However, provide such recommendations only when confident about the issue's source.

Learn From Bugs Disclosure

XSS https://medium.com/@corneacristian/top-25-xss-bug-bounty-reports-b3c90e2288c8

RCE https://medium.com/@corneacristian/top-25-rce-bug-bounty-reports-bc9555cca7bc

Race Condition https://medium.com/@corneacristian/top-25-race-condition-bug-bounty-reports-84f9073bf9e5

IDOR https://medium.com/@corneacristian/top-25-idor-bug-bounty-reports-ba8cd59ad331

Open Redirect https://medium.com/@corneacristian/top-25-open-redirect-bug-bounty-reports-5ffe11788794

Wordpress https://medium.com/@corneacristian/top-25-wordpress-bug-bounty-reports-f208ea2dad3f

Conclusion:

In writing an XSS vulnerability report, never assume the reader's knowledge. Be as verbose as necessary, leaving no room for misunderstanding. Maintain a professional and respectful tone, provide references for obscure security knowledge, and avoid jargon or abbreviations. Remember that security teams are comprised of humans who may not be as familiar with the reported feature as you are. Effective communication, detailed reporting, and collaboration can minimize miscommunication and contribute to a positive relationship between you and the security team. In cases of mishandling, don't hesitate to escalate issues to ensure resolution and security. By mastering the art of clear and comprehensive XSS reporting, you enhance your value as a security researcher and ultimately save everyone's time.