I recently discovered critical vulnerabilities in several multi-million-dollar companies that do not have a bug bounty program. Having previously participated in bug bounty programs, I’m familiar with the process for those platforms, but I’m uncertain about the best approach when dealing with companies that lack a formal program. My primary concern is how to report these issues responsibly and, if possible, be compensated for my findings.
One of my biggest concerns is the potential legal ramifications. What if the company misinterprets my actions as malicious hacking and traces my email to initiate legal proceedings, despite my good intentions? Has anyone here faced a similar situation? If so, could you share your experience and provide guidance on how to avoid misunderstandings and clearly communicate that I’m acting in good faith?
I’ve read some articles suggesting that I should contact the company’s abuse or IT team via email, providing proof of the vulnerability. However, I’m concerned that if I show proof by logging into their system and taking screenshots of sensitive areas, it could be perceived as an unauthorized breach. Furthermore, if I log in to demonstrate the vulnerability, they could trace back the method I used, resolve the issue themselves without even responding to me, and simply move on with their day—leaving me with nothing to show for my efforts.
I would appreciate any advice or experiences you could share on the best way to approach this situation while minimizing risk and ensuring that my intentions are clear.
