Tips to Avoid Duplicates or N/A Reports in Bug Bounty Programs
In bug bounty hunting, every hacker’s goal is to find unique, impactful vulnerabilities that get accepted—and paid for. However, many hunters face the frustration of having their reports closed as “Duplicate” or “Not Applicable (N/A).” While duplicates can happen if another hacker finds the vulnerability first, knowing how to avoid common pitfalls can save you time and energy.
In this post, I’ll walk you through practical tips to help avoid these outcomes and maximize your bug bounty success.
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1. Understand the Program Scope Deeply
Before diving into testing, make sure you thoroughly understand the program’s scope and rules. Each program is different, and many list vulnerabilities they don’t consider valid. Some even specify certain issues as out of scope, such as information disclosure in headers or verbose error messages. Always read the bounty policy carefully to avoid reporting vulnerabilities that will be marked as N/A.
Pro Tip: Programs often list specific security concerns they care about. For example, a financial services company may prioritize account takeover vulnerabilities over cosmetic issues.
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2. Check Existing and Past Reports (If Available)
If the platform allows you to see disclosed or publicly discussed reports, review them carefully. These reports can give you insight into what the program has accepted before, as well as the common issues that other hackers have reported.
Pro Tip: Even if duplicates aren’t visible, many programs have community forums where hackers discuss previous vulnerabilities. Use this as a resource to avoid duplicating widely reported issues like open redirects or missing security headers.
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3. Look for Unique Angles in Your Testing Approach
To stand out from other hunters, try looking for unique angles in your testing. For example, if everyone is scanning for cross-site scripting (XSS), you might try targeting lesser-known pages or application functions. Unique vectors and unconventional testing methods are more likely to reveal fresh vulnerabilities that haven’t already been reported.
Pro Tip: When targeting authentication, think beyond the typical login page and try exploring password reset functions, account linking, or multi-factor authentication weaknesses.
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4. Prioritize Impact Over Quantity
One of the main reasons reports get marked as N/A is that they lack real impact. Vulnerabilities like missing security headers or exposed internal IPs may be informational but don’t necessarily pose a real threat to the company. To avoid these, focus on vulnerabilities with a more direct impact, like account takeovers, privilege escalation, or business logic flaws.
Pro Tip: Always ask yourself, “How could an attacker leverage this?” If the answer isn’t clear or impactful, reconsider reporting it unless the program’s rules indicate otherwise.
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5. Chain Low-Hanging Vulnerabilities Together
Sometimes individual low-severity findings, like clickjacking or open redirects, might be dismissed alone. However, by chaining them with other vulnerabilities, you can increase the overall impact, which may raise the priority of your report. For example, combining an open redirect with phishing to steal session tokens might be more impactful.
Pro Tip: Think creatively about how vulnerabilities can interact. Sometimes a report will only be valid if you demonstrate how multiple issues work together.
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6. Use Advanced Recon and Avoid Automated Noise
Automated scanners can be a great starting point, but they often flood bug bounty platforms with noisy, low-value reports. To avoid duplicate or N/A outcomes, go beyond what automated tools find. Use manual recon techniques like inspecting JavaScript files, analyzing web requests, and digging through obscure endpoints.
Pro Tip: Advanced techniques like subdomain enumeration, content discovery with tools like ffuf, and burp suite extensions can reveal hidden gems that aren’t as commonly reported.
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7. Explore Less-Visited Application Areas
Many hackers focus on the main application or obvious features, leaving hidden or lesser-used areas relatively untouched. Explore settings, account management options, or integrations with third-party apps to find more unique vulnerabilities. Admin panels, partner portals, and legacy systems are also prime locations for fresh vulnerabilities.
Pro Tip: Look at hidden endpoints, backup pages, and obscure API calls—especially ones that older scanners may overlook. Testing these less-visited areas can often yield surprising results.
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8. Stay Updated with Industry Vulnerability Trends
New techniques and exploits emerge regularly, and staying updated on these can give you a competitive edge. Subscribe to security blogs, follow vulnerability researchers on Twitter, and stay active in bug bounty communities. This way, you’ll be aware of the latest trends and techniques that can help you discover novel vulnerabilities other hackers may overlook.
Pro Tip: Vulnerabilities that are initially ignored can gain relevance later. For example, techniques like HTTP request smuggling or SSRF bypasses were relatively unknown a few years ago but are now common targets.
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9. Use Multi-Step Testing for Thoroughness
Sometimes the difference between a successful report and an N/A lies in a small overlooked detail. Be thorough in your testing, performing multi-step tests rather than stopping at initial signs of low impact. Digging deeper can often reveal hidden exploits or vulnerabilities that would otherwise go undetected.
Pro Tip: For example, if you find a minor IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference), check if the vulnerability can escalate by chaining it with privilege escalation.
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10. Document with Detailed Proof of Concept (PoC)
Make your report as clear and detailed as possible with a strong Proof of Concept (PoC). Include screenshots, video demonstrations, and clearly explain the vulnerability’s impact on the application. A well-documented report shows professionalism and reduces the chances of a misunderstanding leading to an N/A.
Pro Tip: Include suggestions for remediation in your report. This helps reviewers understand the issue and may also give your report an edge over others.
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Final Thoughts
Avoiding duplicates and N/A outcomes in bug bounty programs takes more than just technical skill—it requires strategic thinking, patience, and a deep understanding of each program’s unique needs. By following these tips, you can minimize the chances of encountering duplicates or N/A responses, increase your chances of getting accepted reports, and make the most out of every hunting session.
Happy Hunting!
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