Web Exploitation Challenges

This section of the repository contains my solutions and notes for Web Exploitation challenges in picoCTF. Web exploitation challenges typically focus on discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.

These vulnerabilities can include SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), authentication flaws, server misconfigurations, and more.

About Web Exploitation

Web exploitation challenges in CTFs simulate real-world security vulnerabilities that exist in modern web applications. Understanding how these vulnerabilities work is essential for building secure systems and becoming proficient in cybersecurity.

Common Topics Covered

  • SQL Injection (SQLi): Exploiting unsanitized user inputs in database queries.
  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious scripts into web pages.
  • Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): Forcing authenticated users to perform unintended actions.
  • Authentication Bypass: Exploiting weak login or session handling mechanisms.
  • Command Injection: Injecting system commands for arbitrary execution.
  • File Inclusion Vulnerabilities: Abusing improper file handling logic.
  • Security Misconfigurations: Identifying weak permissions or server misconfigurations.

How I Approach Web Exploitation Challenges

  1. Identify the application’s functionality and attack surface.
  2. Locate and test user-controlled inputs.
  3. Probe for common web vulnerabilities.
  4. Analyze server responses and error messages.
  5. Use tools like Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and Nikto.
  6. Document the exploitation steps and recovered flag.

Challenges Solved

Each challenge folder contains:

  • A description of the challenge
  • The vulnerability or technique exploited
  • Step-by-step exploitation details
  • Helpful tools or references

Feel free to use these writeups as a reference or suggest improvements and alternate approaches.