Why It's Worth Your Time

System security can feel overwhelming at first, but with a step-by-step approach, it becomes a highly rewarding field to explore. This path is designed to help learners interested in system hacking build their skills gradually, starting from fundamental vulnerabilities like stack buffer overflows. By practicing, thinking critically, and solving problems along the way, you'll naturally develop a strong understanding of core concepts and principles of system security. This path will equip you with both solid foundations and practical skills in system hacking. This path is explained based on the x86-64 architecture of the Ubuntu 22.04/18.04 Linux operating system.

Topics Covered

• Setting up and using real Linux environments with virtual machines and WSL
• Deep understanding of computer architecture and memory structures: x86 assembly, memory layout, and calling conventions
• Vulnerability analysis and exploitation using gdb and pwntools
• Hands-on exercises with key memory vulnerabilities: Stack Buffer Overflow, Format String Bug, Use-After-Free, Double Free
• Analysis and bypassing of security mitigations: NX, ASLR, PIE, RELRO
• Logical vulnerability analysis such as command injection, path traversal, and type errors

Recommended For

• Those who want a clear understanding of system hacking and security principles
• Aspiring CTF participants who want to build real-world exploitation skills
• Future white-hat hackers, security engineers, or vulnerability analysts

Prerequisite Knowledge

• Basic computer skills
• Basic understanding of computer components and how computers work
• Programming experience with C or C++