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Report a Bug

Detailed Description of the "Bug Report Form" UI Component and the url path is "https://blt.owasp.org/report/" for the OWASP Bug Logging Tool (BLT) Application

1. Component Overview

The Bug Report Form in the OWASP Bug Logging Tool (BLT) application is designed to facilitate the submission of detailed bug reports by users. Its primary purpose is to collect all necessary information regarding a bug or issue found on a website, enabling accurate tracking, verification, and resolution. The form supports a structured approach to reporting, ensuring that all relevant details are captured systematically.

2. User Interaction

Users interact with the Bug Report Form through a series of steps designed to capture comprehensive information about the bug. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing even those with minimal technical knowledge to submit detailed reports. Here are the steps involved:

  1. Enter Domain URL: The user inputs the URL of the website where the bug was encountered in the "Domain URL" field. This is crucial for pinpointing the exact location of the issue.
  2. Check for Duplicates: Users can click the "Check for Duplicates" button to ensure the bug hasn't already been reported, reducing redundancy and improving efficiency.
  3. Fill in the Bug Title: A concise and descriptive title is entered in the "Bug Title" field, summarizing the nature of the bug.
  4. Select Bug Type: The user selects the appropriate category for the bug from the "Bug Type" dropdown menu, which helps in classifying and prioritizing the issue.
  5. Choose Bug Hunt Option: Users can select "Report Independently" or choose from a list of active bug hunts they are participating in, using the "Bug Hunt" dropdown.
  6. Upload Screenshots: Users can upload screenshots to illustrate the bug. This is done by dragging and dropping images into the "Upload screenshots" area or by pasting images directly. The form supports PNG, JPG, and GIF formats, with a limit of up to five images.
  7. Enter CVE ID: If the bug is a known vulnerability, users can enter the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) ID in the "CVE ID" field. This helps in referencing standardized information.
  8. Describe the Bug: In the "Bug Description" section, users provide a detailed description of the bug. The markdown editor allows for text formatting, adding images, and embedding links. Users can preview their input to ensure clarity and completeness.
  9. Add Team Members: Users can add email addresses of team members who are also involved in the bug hunt. This is done in the "Add Team Members" section, enhancing collaboration.
  10. Complete CAPTCHA: To validate the submission, users must solve a CAPTCHA challenge, which prevents automated submissions and ensures security.
  11. Submit the Report: Finally, users click the "Report" button to submit their bug report. There is also a "Cancel" button to discard the report if needed.

3. Key Elements

  • Domain URL Field: An input field where users enter the URL of the website affected by the bug.
  • Check for Duplicates Button: A button to check if the bug has already been reported.
  • Bug Title Field: A text input field for entering a concise title for the bug.
  • Bug Type Dropdown: A dropdown menu for selecting the category of the bug (e.g., General, Security, Performance).
  • Bug Hunt Dropdown: Options for reporting independently or as part of a bug hunt.
  • Screenshot Upload Section: An area for uploading or pasting screenshots to provide visual evidence of the bug.
  • CVE ID Field: An optional input field for entering a CVE ID.
  • Bug Description Editor: A markdown editor with formatting options like bold, italic, adding images, and links, and a preview button.
  • Add Team Members Section: A field to add email addresses of team members.
  • CAPTCHA Validation: A CAPTCHA challenge to validate the submission.
  • Submission Button: The "Report" button to submit the bug report and a "Cancel" button to discard it.

4. Visual Design

The visual design of the Bug Report Form is clean, structured, and user-friendly, facilitating ease of use and ensuring that all necessary information is captured effectively.

  • Layout: The form is organized into distinct sections for entering different types of information. Each section is clearly labeled, making it easy for users to understand what information is required.
  • Color Scheme: The form uses a color scheme of red, white, and grey, consistent with the overall branding of the BLT application. Important elements like buttons and error messages are highlighted in red to draw attention.
  • Typography: Modern and readable fonts are used throughout the form, ensuring that all text is clear and legible.
  • Visual Cues: Icons and placeholders guide users on what information to enter in each field. The form also uses visual indicators like asterisks to mark required fields.

5. Accessibility Features

The Bug Report Form includes several features designed to improve accessibility for users with disabilities:

  • Keyboard Navigation: All form elements are accessible via keyboard shortcuts, allowing users with mobility impairments to fill out the form without using a mouse.
  • Screen Reader Compatibility: The form is compatible with screen readers, which read out the text and labels to visually impaired users, helping them navigate and fill out the form.
  • High Contrast: The text and interactive elements have high contrast against the background, making it easier for users with visual impairments to read the content.
  • Descriptive Labels: All input fields have clear and descriptive labels, ensuring that users understand what information is required.

6. Error Handling

The Bug Report Form has robust error handling mechanisms to ensure that users provide the correct information and are informed of any issues during the submission process:

  • Real-Time Validation: As users fill out the form, input fields validate the data in real-time. For example, if the domain URL is not in the correct format, an error message is displayed immediately.
  • Error Messages: Clear and concise error messages are displayed next to the relevant fields, guiding users to correct their input. For instance, if a required field is left blank, an error message will indicate that the field is mandatory.
  • Submission Errors: If there are issues during the submission process, such as a server error or network issue, a general error message is displayed at the top of the form. Users are provided with steps to resolve the issue or retry the submission.

7. Performance

The Bug Report Form is designed to enhance performance and user experience through various features:

  • Optimized Loading: The form is designed to load quickly, with asynchronous loading of non-critical elements. This ensures that users can start filling out the form without waiting for all elements to load.
  • Responsive Design: The form is fully responsive, adapting to different screen sizes and devices. This ensures that users can easily fill out the form on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
  • Lazy Loading: Images and other non-critical elements are loaded as needed, reducing the initial load time and improving the overall responsiveness of the form.
  • Form Persistence: The form saves users' inputs temporarily, so they do not lose information if they accidentally navigate away from the form before submitting. This feature enhances user experience by preventing data loss.