Program Overview
Upwork runs a bug bounty program on Bugcrowd with a maximum payout of $5,000. The program has 12 in-scope assets and is managed by Bugcrowd's triage team.
12
In-Scope Assets
$5,000
Max Payout
In-Scope Assets
| Asset | Type | Max Severity | Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| https://www.upwork.com | WEBSITE | ||
| Upwork - Android Application | ANDROID | ||
| Upwork - iOS Application | IOS | ||
| Upwork Dash Messenger Desktop Version (www.upwork.com/downloads) | HARDWARE | ||
| www.upwork.com/api | API | ||
| Direct Contracts | WEBSITE | ||
| api.upwork.com/graphql | API | ||
| Upwork - Marketplace Portal | WEBSITE | ||
| Upwork - Messages | WEBSITE | ||
| Upwork - Mobile Application IOS | IOS | ||
| Upwork - Mobile Application Android | ANDROID | ||
| Upwork - api.upwork.com/graphql | API |
Out-of-Scope Assets
- Social media hijacking
- Any subdomain/domain/property not listed in the 'in scope' section, is out of scope.
- Any Third-party Services
- support.upwork.com
- community.stage.upwork.com
- community.upwork.com
- stage.upwork.com
- e.upwork.com
- status.upwork.com
- signature.upwork.com
- careers.upwork.com
- tip.upwork.com
- tip.upwork.com
- pardot.upwork.com
Tips for Hacking Upwork
- Read the policy — Understand what's in scope, out of scope, and any specific testing restrictions before you start.
- Enumerate the attack surface — Use subdomain enumeration and directory bruteforcing to map all accessible endpoints.
- Focus on high-impact bugs — Look for SQL injection, SSRF, and IDOR vulnerabilities first.
- Test authentication flows — Check for OAuth misconfigurations and CSRF in login/signup flows.
- Write clear reports — Include steps to reproduce, impact assessment, and suggested remediation. Use Burp Suite to capture evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start hacking Upwork?
Sign up on Bugcrowd, read the program policy carefully, review the in-scope assets listed above, and start testing. Always stay within scope and follow responsible disclosure guidelines.
Does Upwork pay bounties?
Yes, Upwork offers monetary rewards for valid security vulnerabilities.
What types of vulnerabilities does Upwork accept?
Upwork accepts reports for vulnerabilities found in their 12 in-scope assets. Common accepted vulnerability types include XSS, SQL injection, SSRF, IDOR, authentication bypass, and RCE. Check the program policy for specific exclusions.