Hello there! Your guy Zokomon is back, and today we’re diving into “The Biggest Bug Bounty Payouts of Lifetime! 2025”. Yes, we’re talking about the kind of bounties that can change your life—thousands of dollars, six-figure rewards, and even the elusive $1 million payouts in the Web3 space.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to earn these legendary rewards or what we can learn from these success stories, keep reading. This is going to be an inspiring one!
1. $1 Million – Web3 and Blockchain Bounties
Web3 platforms like MakerDAO, Polygon, and Wormhole have offered some of the largest bug bounties ever, going up to $1 million or more.
The Wormhole Hack
After a $325 million exploit, Wormhole launched a $10 million bug bounty program. While this was post-exploit, it highlighted how serious Web3 platforms are about security.
MakerDAO’s $1 Million Bounty
- A bounty hunter reported a critical bug that could have drained the entire platform’s funds.
- The vulnerability was patched, and the hunter walked away with $1 million.
What We Can Learn
- Web3 vulnerabilities like smart contract flaws, reentrancy bugs, and logic errors in DeFi platforms are high-stakes.
- If you master blockchain security, the potential for massive payouts is real.
2. $500,000 – Apple’s iOS Zero-Days
Apple’s Security Bounty Program is known for offering six-figure payouts for critical vulnerabilities in iOS and macOS.
Example
An iOS exploit allowing remote access to a device fetched $500,000. These bugs often involve bypassing Secure Enclave, iMessage, or system-level protections.
What We Can Learn
- High-value bugs often require deep knowledge of system architecture.
- Studying how operating systems work and testing their edge cases can lead to breakthroughs.
3. $100,000+ – Tesla Car Exploits
Tesla’s Bug Bounty Program rewards hackers with money and, in some cases, cars!
Example
A hunter exploited vulnerabilities in Tesla’s autopilot system, earning over $100,000 and a Model 3 car. The bug could have allowed remote control of the vehicle.
What We Can Learn
- IoT and connected devices, like cars, offer unique opportunities for bug hunters.
- Diving into firmware or hardware hacking can lead to huge rewards.
4. $600,000+ Annually – Google Vulnerability Reward Program (VRP)
Google’s bug bounty program is one of the most consistent and generous. Some top hunters earn over $600,000 per year by reporting bugs in Chrome, Android, and Google Cloud.
Example
A critical RCE in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine earned a hunter $100,000.
What We Can Learn
- Consistency is key. Google’s program proves that steady efforts on a trusted platform can lead to significant cumulative rewards.
5. $40,000+ – Facebook Data Exposure Vulnerabilities
Facebook (Meta) pays big for vulnerabilities that could expose user data.
Example
A hunter earned $40,000 for finding a flaw that allowed unauthorized access to personal information.
What We Can Learn
- Social media platforms prioritize user privacy.
- Testing features like data export tools or profile permissions can reveal hidden vulnerabilities.
Patterns Behind Big Bounty Wins
While the targets vary, there are common patterns in these big wins:
1. Critical Bugs Get Critical Rewards
- High payouts are reserved for vulnerabilities with severe impacts, like RCE, smart contract exploits, and authentication bypasses.
2. Deep Knowledge Pays Off
- Hunters who understand system architecture, blockchain mechanics, or browser engines have a better shot at finding unique bugs.
3. Persistence Is Key
- Top earners don’t give up after one or two rejections. They keep testing, learning, and improving.
How to Aim for High-Payout Bounties
Want to chase those big rewards? Here’s how to start:
1. Master the Basics
- Learn the most common vulnerabilities: XSS, SQLi, IDOR, and CSRF.
- You can’t find big bugs without a solid foundation.
2. Specialize in High-Paying Areas
- Focus on emerging fields like Web3, DeFi, and blockchain security.
- Develop expertise in OS vulnerabilities, browser exploits, or IoT.
3. Spend Time on Recon
- Big bugs often hide in overlooked endpoints or less-tested areas.
- Tools like Sublist3r, Amass, and httpx can help you find these hidden gems.
4. Use Advanced Tools
- For Web3, tools like Mythril, Slither, and Tenderly are essential.
- For system vulnerabilities, Burp Suite and tools like fuzzers or debuggers are invaluable.
5. Be Patient
- Remember, hunters who earned millions didn’t do it overnight.
- Focus on the long game.
Why Web3 Is a Game-Changer for Bug Bounties
The rise of Web3 has created unprecedented opportunities for bug bounty hunters. Here’s why:
1. Decentralized Systems Are Complex
- More complexity means more chances for bugs.
- Smart contracts, for instance, are vulnerable to logic flaws, reentrancy, and token mismanagement.
2. The Stakes Are High
- Web3 platforms manage billions of dollars in assets, making security a top priority.
3. Bigger Budgets
- With millions on the line, Web3 companies are willing to pay seven-figure bounties for critical bugs.
Final Thoughts
The biggest bug bounty payouts show us what’s possible with the right skills, persistence, and strategy. Whether you’re eyeing $1 million Web3 bounties or steady six-figure earnings from Google, the key is to keep learning and evolving.
You can read my previous blog ” The Biggest Mistakes Bug Bounty Beginners Make “
That’s it for today! Which of these payouts inspired you the most? Let me know in the comments. Bye for now! ❤️
