10 Questions
What is the main function syntax in C language?
int main()
What is the difference between a vulnerability and an exploit?
A vulnerability is a weakness, an exploit is a way to take advantage of it.
What happens when an integer overflows in C?
It wraps around to the maximum value.
What is the purpose of shellcode?
To execute a specific task.
What is the difference between a stack and a heap?
A stack is used for function calls, a heap is used for variable allocation.
What is the purpose of a buffer?
To store temporary data.
What is the purpose of format strings in C?
To format output to the console.
What is the purpose of fuzzing in security testing?
To find vulnerabilities in a program.
What is the purpose of ASLR in security?
To randomize the location of memory regions.
What is the purpose of a stack canary in security?
To detect stack overflows.
Study Notes
Week 1: C Language and GDB Tool
- C Language function syntax,
mainfunction syntax, and arguments - Data types:
integer,float,char,arrays, and declarations - Pointers and notation
- Input and output
- Conditionals and looping
- GDB Tool: executing with an executable file, listing and disassembling (
disas), breakpoints, and register inspection - Vulnerability and exploit definitions: difference between a vulnerability and exploit (and zero day)
Week 2: Integer Overflow
- Integer types: 8-bit equal to
char, signed or unsigned - Limits available as MACRO constants
- Byte sizes of types
- Effect of integer overflow: wrapping around positive or negative
- Implications in reality: usually triggered in loop iteration
- C Language: variable scope and variable types
Week 3: Stacks and Buffers
- Principle of a stack: stack frame organization, function entry and exit sequence
- How stacks work during execution and debugging in GDB
- Buffer and overflow principles: beneficial to a threat actor
- How buffers can be viewed in GDB: examples from lab
Week 4: Vulnerable Functions and Shellcode
- Vulnerable functions:
gets,strcpy,strcat,sprintf - Safer alternatives to these functions
- Shellcode: aim, usage, and how it works
Week 5: Format Strings
- Strings vs format strings: format string specifiers
- Functions:
printfandsprintf - What makes format strings vulnerable: properties
- Exploit setup: where does it read from initially?
Week 7: Heap Properties
- Heap properties and layout: vs the stack
- Functions using heap space: relation to the stack with variables
- Structure: chunks
Week 8: Fuzzing Principles
- Fuzzing principles: why and types
- Phases and methods of fuzzing
- Tools used in fuzzing
Week 9: More Fuzzing
- More fuzzing principles: issues with fuzzing approaches
- Code coverage: AFL tool
Week 10: Non-Executable Stack and Security
- Non-executable stack and implications
- Overrides: W^X, stack canaries, and ASLR
Test your knowledge of C programming fundamentals, including syntax, data types, and functions, as well as security concepts like vulnerabilities and exploits.
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