How to Write a Bug Report Tracking Template

Michael, an IT DevSecOps Manager at a fast-growing e-commerce company, faced mounting security vulnerabilities in their web application. His team often discovered bugs but lacked a structured approach to documenting and tracking them. Developers, QA engineers, and security analysts worked in silos, with no standardized bug report format to ensure consistency and completeness.

One day, a persistent cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability, initially flagged but poorly documented, resurfaced in production. Because the initial bug report lacked key details—such as affected endpoints, severity, and remediation steps—the development team deprioritized it. Weeks later, a hacker exploited the vulnerability, stealing customer data and causing reputational damage. The breach resulted in regulatory fines and a loss of consumer trust, all because a proper bug tracking process was never established.

Had Michael and his team implemented a structured Bug Tracking Report using a Gantt chart and RACI matrix, the issue could have been resolved before reaching production.

What is a Bug Report?

A Bug Report is a structured document that provides critical information about a software defect. It serves as a centralized reference for developers, security analysts, and quality assurance (QA) teams to investigate, prioritize, and remediate security vulnerabilities efficiently.

A well-structured bug report should include:

• Bug ID/Tracking Number – A unique identifier for referencing the issue.

• Bug Title – A concise description of the issue.

• Severity and Priority – Indicates how critical the bug is and how soon it should be resolved.

• Affected Systems and Components – Specifies where the bug exists (e.g., backend, API, frontend, authentication module).

• Steps to Reproduce – Detailed steps to replicate the issue.

• Expected vs. Actual Behavior – Highlights the security impact.

• Logs, Screenshots, or Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Exploits – Evidence supporting the issue.

• Assigned Team Members – Ensures accountability and proper escalation.

• Remediation Plan – Recommended fixes and patch timelines.

Why is Bug Tracking Important, Especially for DevSecOps?

In a DevSecOps environment, security must be an integrated part of the development lifecycle. Without a structured bug tracking process, security vulnerabilities can go unaddressed, leading to severe breaches and compliance failures.

Key Benefits of Bug Tracking in DevSecOps:

1. Prevents Oversight: Ensures that security vulnerabilities are logged, tracked, and resolved efficiently.

2. Enhances Collaboration: Developers, security teams, and QA engineers work together in a structured manner.

3. Prioritizes Security Risks: A well-maintained bug tracking system ensures that high-risk vulnerabilities receive immediate attention.

4. Improves Compliance: Demonstrates due diligence for industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA).

5. Minimizes Risk Exposure: Faster remediation reduces the likelihood of security breaches.

Examples of Software Security Bugs That Require Rigorous Tracking

Some security vulnerabilities require significant effort to investigate, diagnose, and remediate. Without proper bug tracking, teams might misprioritize or overlook them. Examples include:

1. SQL Injection (SQLi): Requires detailed analysis of database queries and sanitization methods.

2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Needs validation across multiple user input fields.

3. Broken Access Control: Can be difficult to identify due to complex authorization logic.

4. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF): May require extensive penetration testing.

5. Remote Code Execution (RCE): Often needs immediate hotfix deployment.

6. Unpatched Dependencies: Requires tracking software versions and known vulnerabilities.

Using ezRACI’s Bug Tracking Report in Gantt Chart Format, teams can track resolution timelines, assign accountability via RACI, and ensure vulnerabilities are patched efficiently.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tailoring ezRACI’s Bug Tracking Report Template

Using ezRACI’s Bug Tracking Report Template, DevSecOps teams can structure their security vulnerability remediation process effectively.

Step 1: Implement the Bug Tracking Report Template

• Use ezRACI’s predefined template to log all security vulnerabilities.

• Customize fields to match your organization’s security policies.

Step 2: Assign Accountability Using RACI

• Responsible (R): Developers assigned to fix vulnerabilities.

• Accountable (A): Security team ensuring remediation is completed.

• Consulted (C): QA engineers validating the fix.

• Informed (I): Compliance officers monitoring security risks.

Step 3: Map Security Fixes to a Gantt Chart

• Define remediation deadlines for each bug based on severity.

• Align patches with sprint cycles and release timelines.

• Track dependencies (e.g., penetration testing before deployment).

Step 4: Prioritize the Top 10 Software Vulnerabilities

1. Critical SQLi/RCE Bugs – Immediate Fix (Block external access, deploy emergency patch).

2. Broken Authentication Flaws – Fix within the next sprint (Strengthen identity verification controls).

3. XSS/CSRF Issues – Patch in the next release cycle (Improve input validation mechanisms).

4. Exposed APIs with Weak Authorization – Implement least privilege access.

5. Unpatched Third-Party Libraries – Monitor and update dependencies regularly.

Step 5: Automate Notifications and Collaboration

• Use real-time notifications to inform team members about security updates.

• Enable discussions using ezRACI’s MS Teams & Slack integration.

Step 6: Monitor & Audit Security Bug Resolution

• Utilize Dashboard-Level Reporting to track vulnerability closure rates.

• Maintain audit trails to ensure compliance readiness.

How ezRACI Enhances Bug Tracking and Security Management

ezRACI streamlines the bug tracking and resolution process, ensuring structured collaboration, accountability, and timely security patches.

Key Features of ezRACI for Bug Tracking:

1. Bug Tracking Report Template – Standardized format for security vulnerabilities.

2. Built-in Calendars – Sync security fixes with MS Outlook & Gmail.

3. Discussion Boards – Integrated with MS Teams & Slack for real-time collaboration.

4. Real-Time Notifications – Keeps stakeholders informed about security events.

5. Task Lists & Kanban Boards – Tracks bug fixes within development workflows.

6. @Tags for Cross-Functional Collaboration – Ensures the right teams are notified.

7. Audit Trails & Dashboard-Level Reporting – Provides compliance visibility.

8. Library of RACI & Gantt Templates – Industry-specific templates for security management.

Conclusion

Without a structured bug tracking process, security vulnerabilities go unnoticed or unresolved, leading to costly breaches. By leveraging ezRACI’s Bug Tracking Report Template, security teams can prioritize vulnerabilities, assign clear accountability, and ensure timely patching.

Strengthen your DevSecOps security management today with ezRACI!