Hi, I'm Padraig
Blockchain Developer & Security Researcher
I build secure applications and explore vulnerabilities in software systems. Currently focused on Solana development and creating tools that bridge complex technology with user-friendly interfaces.
About Me
I'm a security researcher and blockchain developer who sees opportunities where others see problems. From turning a high school network vulnerability into a force that fed 20+ million people, to discovering critical AWS infrastructure flaws, to building sophisticated Solana trading ecosystems—I combine deep technical execution with ethical innovation. I don't just build tools; I identify unconventional paths and execute them at scale, always with positive impact in mind.
Skills
20+
Projects
100+
GitHub Stars
4
Platforms
Featured Projects
PadraigAIO
A comprehensive Solana trading suite built as a Discord plugin. Features real-time market data, automated token creation, smart contract analysis, and advanced trading algorithms. Built with TypeScript, React, and Web3.js for seamless integration with the Solana ecosystem.
Ring Referral Abuser
Security research tool to demonstrate referral spoofing vulnerabilities in Ring's Neighbors app. Automated referral generation by intercepting and replaying network requests with tools like Charles Proxy and Burp Suite. Cross-platform Python implementation supporting both jailbroken iOS and standard network analysis methods. Responsibly disclosed through HackerOne - Ring has since patched the vulnerability and shut down the referral system.
Unruggable.meme
A DeFi platform on Starknet focused on creating rugpull-resistant meme tokens. Features automatic liquidity locks, community governance, and smart contract security mechanisms. Built with Cairo smart contracts and a React frontend.
PadraigAIO macOS
Native macOS application for Solana trading and portfolio management. Built with Swift and SwiftUI, featuring real-time market data, automated trading strategies, and a clean, intuitive interface designed specifically for macOS users.
Ven-Pump
Enhanced Discord client modification with 100+ built-in plugins. Features advanced plugin architecture, trading integrations, and UI enhancements. Built with TypeScript and React for extensible Discord functionality.
Professional Experience
Freelance Blockchain Developer
Solana Ecosystem • Remote
Building trading tools and DeFi applications in the Solana ecosystem. Focused on creating efficient, user-friendly interfaces for complex blockchain interactions.
- Custom trading tools with real-time Solana integration
- Automated token creation and management systems
- Clean React interfaces for blockchain data visualization
- High-performance backend services for trading operations
Independent Cybersecurity Researcher
Vulnerability Research & Responsible Disclosure
Security research focused on consumer platforms and software vulnerabilities. Committed to responsible disclosure and contributing to the security community.
- Discovered critical vulnerabilities in Ring's referral system
- Developed iOS security testing tools and jailbreak tweaks
- Conducted penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
- Published technical research and security write-ups
Independent Contractor
Guardian Asset Management • Langhorne, PA
Property preservation and inspection services for mortgage companies. Focused on compliance, documentation, and systematic property management.
Operations Manager
Castle Billiards & Jim Dandy's • East Rutherford, NJ
Operations management in fast-paced hospitality environments. Developed leadership, team coordination, and problem-solving skills.
Education
Computer Science
Bergen Community College • Paramus, NJ • August 2022
Security Research & Ethical Hacking
While investigating network security in high school, I discovered a critical misconfiguration in our district's file server (//K10-FS01-ESX) where student accounts had read/write access to virtually all network resources, including teacher and counselor files. After responsibly reporting this to IT, I developed a creative proof-of-concept that turned this vulnerability into a force for good.
Technical Implementation
- Network Reconnaissance: Mapped user directory structure and permission hierarchy across district infrastructure
- PowerShell Automation: Developed mass-deployment script targeting startup folders using predictable user ID patterns (graduation year + sequential numbering)
- Stealth Operations: Leveraged existing IT batch script patterns for camouflage; deployed background Python processes with no UI presence
- Anti-Detection Measures: Implemented proxy rotation and timing delays to bypass FreeRice.com's bot detection systems
- Python Web Automation: Created intelligent solver that processed math questions via HTTP requests and automated correct responses
Global Recognition
Elevated school to #1 position on FreeRice.com's all-time leaderboard
Humanitarian Impact
20+ million grains of rice donated to combat world hunger
Massive Scale
Operated undetected across 5,000+ district computers, executing on every student login
No System Disruption
Designed for minimal resource usage and transparent operation
Developed a security research tool to demonstrate referral spoofing vulnerabilities in Ring's Neighbors app referral system. The automated exploit revealed critical flaws in referral validation that allowed unlimited generation of fraudulent referral credits through network request replay techniques.
Technical Implementation
- Network Interception: Used Charles Proxy and Burp Suite to capture and analyze Ring app network traffic patterns
- Request Replay Automation: Built Python scripts to automate referral generation by replaying intercepted network requests with modified parameters
- Cross-Platform Support: Implemented both jailbroken iOS integration and standard network analysis methods for broader compatibility
- Vulnerability Assessment: Systematically tested referral validation mechanisms to identify bypasses and edge cases
- Python 2.7/3.x Compatibility: Ensured cross-version compatibility for maximum accessibility across different environments
Responsible Disclosure Process
HackerOne Submission
Submitted detailed vulnerability report through Ring's official HackerOne bug bounty program with full technical documentation
Proof-of-Concept Demonstration
Provided working exploit code and comprehensive technical analysis demonstrating the security impact
Successful Resolution
Ring acknowledged the vulnerability, implemented security patches, and ultimately shut down the entire referral system
Why These Projects Matter
Technical Sophistication
Advanced scripting, network analysis, and systems thinking applied creatively from a young age
Ethical Leadership
Consistent pattern of using technical skills for positive impact and following responsible disclosure practices
Real-World Impact
From feeding people globally to hardening enterprise security infrastructure
Innovation Mindset
Ability to see opportunities where others see problems, turning vulnerabilities into solutions
Professional Growth
Foundation for current work in cybersecurity research and blockchain security analysis