The GitHub Bug Bounty Program relies on a global network of security researchers to uncover vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Over the past decade, this collaboration has protected millions of development projects. As AI-driven tools like GitHub Copilot and the Copilot coding agent reshape software development, the need to test both traditional and emerging attack surfaces has become more critical.

This year, GitHub restructured its bounty program with a fundamental change in philosophy: researchers earn higher rewards for submitting better findings, not simply more findings. The company formalized an invite-only VIP tier for researchers who consistently deliver high-quality, high-impact work.

VIP program benefits

  • Payouts reaching $30,000 or more for critical vulnerabilities
  • Expedited review and response on submissions
  • Access to beta products and features ahead of public release

Researchers earning an invitation must demonstrate sustained quality: one critical, two high, four medium, or seven low-severity resolved findings qualify them for consideration.

@vaib25vicky exemplifies the type of focused researcher the restructured program rewards. Specializing in authorization and access control, this researcher has identified some of the most sophisticated vulnerabilities in GitHub's ecosystem. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, GitHub spotlighted their approach to feature analysis and vulnerability discovery.

Finding the right targets

Rather than hunting for specific bug categories, @vaib25vicky adopts a feature-first methodology. Upon encountering a new feature, they use it extensively, understand its mechanics, and consider how it could be misused. This approach means the types of vulnerabilities tested depend entirely on the feature being examined.

When selecting a target area, @vaib25vicky looks for complexity and opacity. Experience allows them to quickly assess whether a feature warrants deep investigation. If initial exploration yields nothing promising, they move to the next candidate. Once something interesting emerges, they continue testing and exploring until anomalies surface.

Staying current with security research

Keeping pace with emerging vulnerabilities requires a deliberate information diet. @vaib25vicky follows individual researchers and company security blogs across multiple platforms. On X, they track researchers publishing real findings and detailed write-ups. Company research posts, bug bounty disclosures, Hacker News, and security communities on Reddit round out their sources. Favorite resources include Google Project Zero, GitHub Security Lab, PortSwigger, and Hacker News.

Using AI in research

AI tools have become part of @vaib25vicky's workflow, improving productivity and saving time. They describe AI as "a great assistant," though it requires active direction. "AI is like a really fast car, but it still needs a good driver," they explain.

When asked about responsible AI use in bug bounty work, @vaib25vicky emphasizes verification: "The main thing I'd say is to always verify what the AI gives you and never submit a finding you haven't confirmed yourself."

Testing AI-powered features

As platforms ship more AI-driven capabilities, the testing mindset requires some adjustment. However, @vaib25vicky notes that high-impact vulnerabilities remain fundamentally similar across traditional and AI-powered features. "Most bugs, including the high-impact ones, are still authorization issues, weak guardrails, or overlooked capabilities. I think these can be found with the same mindset as traditional web bugs."

Lessons from the field

Reflecting on their journey, @vaib25vicky wishes they had understood earlier that meaningful progress requires patience. "Early on I wish I'd known it's normal to spend a long time on a target before finding anything. Patience is part of the job."

Outside of security research, @vaib25vicky enjoys gaming and travel as ways to unwind. They maintain an active presence on X under the handle @vaib25vicky.

GitHub continues to welcome submissions through its bug bounty program on HackerOne, viewing each finding as an opportunity to strengthen the security of its platform, products, and customer environments.