Responsible disclosure and White hacking it's about Caring

A notable example is the CVE-2020-26895 vulnerability in bitcoin L2s security research, which highlighted the temptation to use discovered exploits for personal profit. However, ethical standards in the infosec community strongly discourage such practices. Taking a substantial amount as a self-granted bounty during an exploit, even if a major portion of the funds is returned, is considered unethical and could be viewed as theft.

The ethos surrounding responsible disclosures is deeply rooted in the principle often referred to as the "Silver" rule: do not treat others in ways that you would not like to be treated. This universal guideline underscores the importance of fairness and integrity across various cultures and legal frameworks. Legal considerations also play a significant role; for instance, any agreement made under duress during an active exploitation is likely unenforceable in court. This is supported by legal precedents such as the decision in USA v. SULLIVAN (9th Cir. 2025), which argues against post hoc authorization of illegal activities as it could promote extortionary schemes.

Moreover, responsible disclosure transcends the mere protection of vendors' interests. It primarily focuses on safeguarding end users, placing their safety and security above the material gains of the discloser. Ethical hackers, or white hackers, advocate for user protection, challenging the misaligned corporate incentives that may delay necessary security fixes. An effective security researcher maintains high ethical standards, prioritizing long-term benefits over immediate rewards, thus enhancing trust and safety in technological ecosystems. This commitment to ethical practices ensures the integrity of the security field and protects users from potential harms resulting from exploited vulnerabilities.