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EXP-301: Windows User Mode Exploit Development
OffSec’s Windows User-Mode Exploit Development (EXP-301) course provides a comprehensive understanding of modern exploit development techniques. Learners gain hands-on experience crafting custom exploits and bypassing security defenses in a self-paced environment designed to elevate their skills in ethical hacking and vulnerability discovery.
Successful completion of the online training course and passing the associated exam earns the OffSec Exploit Developer (OSED) certification. This certification validates expertise in advanced exploit development techniques, including reverse engineering, writing shellcode, and bypassing modern mitigations, making certified professionals invaluable for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in software applications.
Topics covered in the Windows User Mode Exploit Development course (EXP-301)
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WinDbg Tutorial
Master the powerful WinDbg debugger to effectively analyze crashes, investigate memory dumps, and identify vulnerabilities in Windows applications.
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Stack Buffer Overflows
Understand the mechanics of stack buffer overflows and learn how to exploit them to gain control of vulnerable programs.
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Exploiting SEH Overflows
Delve into Structured Exception Handler (SEH) overflows, a specific type of buffer overflow, and master techniques to leverage them for code execution.
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Intro to IDA Pro
Familiarize yourself with IDA Pro, a leading disassembler and debugger, essential for reverse engineering software binaries and uncovering vulnerabilities.
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Overcoming Space Restrictions
Egghunters: Learn how to bypass space limitations in your exploit payloads by utilizing egghunter techniques to locate and execute shellcode.
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Shellcode From Scratch
Develop the skills to write your own custom shellcode, enabling you to perform specific actions on compromised systems.
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Reverse-Engineering Bugs
Learn how to systematically analyze software binaries to identify and understand vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
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Stack Overflows and DEP/ASLR Bypass
Master advanced techniques for exploiting stack overflows while bypassing modern security mitigations such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR).
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Format String Specifier Attacks
Understand and exploit format string vulnerabilities, which can be leveraged to read or write arbitrary memory locations.
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Custom ROP Chains and ROP Payload Decoders
Learn how to construct custom Return-Oriented Programming (ROP) chains to bypass security defenses and build ROP payload decoders for stealthy exploitation.
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90
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Buying for a team?What our community is saying
Anonymous Learner
Over the past 7 months, I've been delving deep into the realms of Windows exploit development. My journey has taken me through the intricacies of reverse engineering, crafting custom shellcode, and tackling complex topics such as stack overflow, SEH Overflow, DEP and ASLR bypass, format string specifier vulnerabilities, etc. I'm grateful for my dedication and curiosity about cybersecurity, and the resilience I've developed along the way. I'm more than pleased to have finally earned this badge and to move forward with the invaluable experience and knowledge gained.
Dani R.
Threat Intelligence Analysis, QuoIntelligence
Coming from a "bluey" background I could not imagine that offensive tasks could be this fun to me. Still, everything that I learned will be very helpful in my malware reverse engineer path. At this point I do want to thanks OffSec for constantly maintaining and improving their training system, making the process as smooth as possible and feeling supported all the time, with great challenges and environment to test your learning and play around.
Jorge Giménez Duro
Security Researcher
Finally OSED! This is, by far, the most challenging (and fun) exam of OffSec I have done so far, but It was worth the time; the content is extremely well structured :)
Supercharge your cybersecurity career with the OSED
Become an in-demand cybersecurity professional
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Learn advanced Windows exploit development techniques
Go beyond basic exploits and gain specialized skills in crafting custom payloads to bypass security defenses and exploit complex vulnerabilities.
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Get hands-on experience with real-world Windows vulnerabilities
Learn from experienced professionals through realistic lab environments and exercises, exploring the complexities of exploiting vulnerabilities in real-world applications.
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Study advanced Windows exploit methodologies
Explore assembly language, buffer overflows, heap manipulation, ROP, shellcode development, and other cutting-edge exploitation techniques specific to the Windows operating system.
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Build expertise in reverse engineering Windows binaries
Learn to dissect and analyze Windows binary code, uncover vulnerabilities, and craft precise exploits to target specific weaknesses, demonstrating your proficiency in a critical area of exploit development.
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Understand and bypass modern Windows security mitigations
Learn how to bypass security measures like DEP, ASLR, and CFG that are specifically designed to protect Windows systems, ensuring your exploits remain effective against hardened targets and showcasing your ability to overcome complex challenges.
Open doors to exciting cybersecurity roles
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Exploit Developer
A deep understanding of exploit development techniques allows you to research, analyze, and develop exploits for vulnerabilities in software applications and operating systems, contributing to the security community’s knowledge base and helping to protect systems from malicious attacks.
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Malware Analyst
Leveraging your knowledge of exploit development enables you to reverse engineer malicious software, analyze its behavior and capabilities, and develop effective countermeasures to protect systems and networks.
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Security Researcher
A strong foundation in exploit development empowers you to investigate new and emerging threats, discover and analyze vulnerabilities in software and systems, and develop innovative security solutions to mitigate these threats.
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Red Team Operator
Apply your exploit development skills to simulate real-world attacks, identifying weaknesses in an organization’s defenses and providing actionable recommendations for improvement.
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Software Security Engineer
Utilize your expertise in exploit development to work closely with development teams, identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities in software throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring that products are secure by design.
FAQ
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What is the OSED exam?
The OffSec Exploit Developer (OSED) exam is a challenging, proctored 48-hour assessment that simulates a live network containing several vulnerable systems. You are tasked with exploiting these systems and providing proof of exploitation.
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What format is the OSED exam in?
The OSED exam is entirely hands-on. You will be given access to a target environment and tasked with compromising vulnerable applications using advanced techniques, showcasing your practical exploit development abilities.
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Who is the EXP-301 course for?
The EXP-301 course is ideal for individuals with a solid foundation in penetration testing and programming who are seeking to master exploit development techniques, ultimately earning the OSED certification.
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What are the prerequisites for EXP-301?
While there are no formal prerequisites, a strong understanding of C programming, assembly language, operating system internals (Windows), and debugging tools (such as WinDbg and Immunity Debugger) is highly recommended.
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What competencies will I gain?
Upon completing EXP-301 and passing the OSED exam, you’ll have mastered exploit development skills, including:
- In-depth vulnerability analysis and exploitation in Windows user-mode applications
- Custom exploit development for stack, heap, and integer overflows, as well as format string and use-after-free vulnerabilities
- Bypassing modern Windows security mitigations like DEP, ASLR, and CFG
- Writing reliable shellcode from scratch
- Reverse engineering to uncover vulnerabilities
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How does OffSec support my online journey?
Throughout the online training course, you’ll have access to:
- A virtual lab environment for hands-on practice
- Extensive course information and materials, including videos and exercises
- A vibrant online community of students and OffSec professionals
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What is the exam retake policy?
For details on exam retakes, please refer to OffSec’s official policies.
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Can I extend my lab time?
For information on lab extensions, please refer to OffSec’s official policies.
OffSec Exploit Development Courses & Certifications
Advance your cybersecurity career with OffSec
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Start your exploit development journey
OffSec’s Windows User-Mode Exploit Development (EXP-301) course provides a comprehensive understanding of modern exploit development techniques. Learners gain hands-on experience crafting custom exploits and bypassing security defenses.
-
Become an exploit development expert
Learn advanced Windows exploit development techniques in a self-paced environment designed to elevate your skills. Master reverse engineering, writing shellcode, and bypassing modern mitigations.
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Enhance your cybersecurity expertise
OffSec’s additional Learning Paths and courses can further develop your cybersecurity skill set. Explore MacOS exploitation, CI/CD attacks, and malware analysis with OffSec’s courses and Learning Paths.
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Become an in-demand cybersecurity professional
Exploit developers are highly sought-after professionals who research, analyze, and develop exploits for vulnerabilities in software applications and operating systems.
Start learning with OffSec
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