Port Scanning Essentials for Bug Bounty Researchers

In the world of bug bounties, port scanning is a fundamental technique for uncovering potential vulnerabilities within a target system. By examining open ports, bug bounty hunters can identify the services running on a system and assess whether they might be susceptible to exploitation. This guide delves into the essentials of port scanning, providing the foundational knowledge you need to enhance your bug bounty hunting skills.

1. Understanding the Basics of Port Scanning

What is a Port?

In the context of computer networking, a port serves as an endpoint for communication. When data is sent over the internet, it is directed to a specific port on a computer. There are two main types of ports: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol). Each has unique characteristics and is suited to different types of applications.

Why Port Scanning?

Port scanning allows you to discover which ports are open and listening on a target system. This information is crucial because open ports often indicate active services, and misconfigured or outdated services can contain vulnerabilities that may be exploited.

Common Port Scanning Tools