🎯 What You'll Learn
- Recognise serialized formats and sinks
- Craft malicious objects and gadget chains
- Achieve RCE in PHP and Python
- Understand .NET/Java parallels
Overview
When applications deserialize attacker-controlled data, object instantiation can be hijacked into code execution. You build gadget chains and exploit realistic PHP and Python targets.
Core Topics
- Serialization formats
- Gadget chains
- Magic methods
- Safe deserialization
Prerequisites
A working KaliRange lab environment and comfort with the Linux command line.
Recommended Workflow
- Spin up the target in your KaliRange lab environment and confirm connectivity.
- Enumerate the target thoroughly before touching any exploit — information first.
- Reproduce each technique by hand so you understand why it works, not just the command.
- Capture evidence (commands, output, screenshots) as you go.
- Write a short note on how a defender would detect or prevent what you just did.
Only ever run these techniques against systems you own or have explicit written permission to test. Practise inside your own KaliRange lab.
Your Goal
Work through every task in your own lab, document your findings as you would on a real engagement, then note the defensive takeaways.
Ready to practise. Work through the steps above at your own pace, then move on to a related lab.