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Joubin Jabbari
In this course, we will wear many hats. With our Attacker Hats on, we will exploit Injection issues that allow us to steal data, exploit Cross Site Scripting issues to compromise a users browser, break authentication to gain access to data and functionality reserved for the ‘Admins’, and even exploit vulnerable components to run our code on a remote server and access some secrets. We will also wear Defender Hats. We will dive deep in the code to fix the root cause of these issues and discuss various mitigation strategies. We do this by exploiting WebGoat, an OWASP project designed to teach penetration testing. WebGoat is a deliberately vulnerable application with many flaws and we take aim at fixing some of these issues. Finally we fix these issues in WebGoat and build our patched binaries. Together we will discuss online resources to help us along and find meaningful ways to give back to the larger Application Security community.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/4u4apr/exploiting
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What's inside
Syllabus
Setup and Introduction to Cross Site Scripting Attacks
In this module, you will be able to use Git and GitHub to pull needed source code. You will be able to run WebGoat in a Docker container and explain reasons for doing so. You'll be able to describe cross-site scripting attacks and explain how these attacks happen and how to guard against them. You'll be able to differentiate between a DOM-based, Reflected, and Stored cross-site scripting attacks. You will be able to practice protecting against various kinds of cross-site scripting attacks.
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Syllabus
Setup and Introduction to Cross Site Scripting Attacks
In this module, you will be able to use Git and GitHub to pull needed source code. You will be able to run WebGoat in a Docker container and explain reasons for doing so. You'll be able to describe cross-site scripting attacks and explain how these attacks happen and how to guard against them. You'll be able to differentiate between a DOM-based, Reflected, and Stored cross-site scripting attacks. You will be able to practice protecting against various kinds of cross-site scripting attacks.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches essential and highly relevant skills in web security for a variety of learners in technology fields
Focuses on a practical approach to securing web applications by exploiting vulnerabilities and implementing secure coding practices
The course is multi-modal with a combination of videos, readings, discussions, and hands-on labs
Provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of web security vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies
Builds a foundational understanding of web security for beginners and strengthens it for intermediate learners
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of web development and programming
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Reviews summary
Java security vulnerabilities: exploit and secure
According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and valuable deep dive into exploiting and securing Java applications. Many found the hands-on labs and exercises with WebGoat to be particularly effective for understanding real-world vulnerabilities like SQL Injection and XSS. The course is praised for its clear explanations of complex topics and providing both the attacker's and defender's perspective. While some parts, like initial setup, were occasionally challenging, students overwhelmingly report gaining actionable knowledge and a solid foundation in application security.
Instructor explains complex topics clearly.
"The explanations were very clear and easy to follow, even for some difficult security concepts."
"I thought the instructor did a great job breaking down how the exploits work and how to fix them."
"The clarity of the lectures made understanding the different types of vulnerabilities much easier."
Covers both exploiting and securing methods.
"I really liked how they showed both how to exploit a vulnerability AND how to fix it. It gives you a complete picture."
"Wearing both the attacker and defender hats is a unique and highly effective way to learn app security."
"Understanding the attacker's mindset first makes the defensive strategies make so much more sense."
Highly applicable skills for real-world apps.
"The vulnerabilities covered are highly relevant to real-world Java applications."
"I feel much better equipped to identify and fix security flaws in my own code after taking this course."
"The material is directly applicable to anyone working with web applications and security."
Engaging labs reinforce learning effectively.
"The best part of this course is definitely the hands-on labs. Working through the vulnerabilities in WebGoat is extremely practical."
"Doing the labs helped solidify the concepts much more than just watching videos. I really appreciated the practical application."
"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me."
"Working with WebGoat directly and trying to exploit the vulnerabilities myself was incredibly useful for learning."
Initial environment setup can be tricky.
"Getting WebGoat running with Docker took a little more effort than I expected."
"The setup instructions were mostly clear, but troubleshooting environmental issues was a bit frustrating initially."
"Some initial hurdles with getting the lab environment configured correctly."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications with these
activities:
Course Notes Review
Show steps
Reinforce class material and improve retention by reviewing notes and assignments.
Show steps
-
Review lecture notes.
-
Complete practice questions and assignments.
-
Summarize key concepts in your own words.
WebGoat Penetration Testing Tutorial
Show steps
Gain practical penetration testing experience by following a guided tutorial on WebGoat.
Browse courses on
Penetration Testing
Show steps
-
Install WebGoat and set up a testing environment.
-
Work through the WebGoat modules, exploiting vulnerabilities.
-
Apply mitigation techniques and learn from real-world examples.
Connect with Application Security Professionals
Show steps
Expand knowledge and gain insights by connecting with experienced application security professionals.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Attend industry events and conferences.
-
Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn.
-
Join online communities and forums.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Complete a Vulnerabilities Quiz
Show steps
Test your knowledge of basic vulnerabilities by taking a quick quiz.
Browse courses on
Vulnerabilities
Show steps
-
Navigate to the OWASP website
-
Locate the 'OWASP Top Ten' resources
-
Take the 'Vulnerability Quiz'
Learn SQL Injection via Guided Tutorial
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of SQL injection attacks by following a guided tutorial.
Browse courses on
SQL Injection
Show steps
-
Find an online tutorial on SQL injection
-
Follow the steps in the tutorial
-
Test your understanding by completing the exercises
Cross-Site Scripting Practice
Show steps
Reinforce understanding of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities by performing hands-on exercises.
Browse courses on
Cross-Site Scripting
Show steps
-
Set up a vulnerable web application environment.
-
Identify and exploit cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
-
Implement mitigation strategies to prevent XSS attacks.
Create a XSS Cheat Sheet
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge of XSS by creating a comprehensive cheat sheet.
Browse courses on
Cross-Site Scripting
Show steps
-
Gather information on different types of XSS attacks
-
Compile your findings into a well-organized cheat sheet
-
Share your cheat sheet with others
SQL Injection Practice
Show steps
Enhance understanding of SQL injection vulnerabilities by engaging in practical exercises.
Browse courses on
SQL Injection
Show steps
-
Set up a vulnerable database environment.
-
Craft SQL injection payloads.
-
Extract sensitive data using SQL injection techniques.
-
Implement defense mechanisms to prevent SQL injection attacks.
Component Vulnerability Analysis
Show steps
Strengthen understanding of the risks associated with vulnerable components by analyzing a codebase.
Show steps
-
Use OWASP Dependency Checker to scan code for vulnerabilities.
-
Prioritize vulnerabilities based on severity and impact.
-
Research and implement mitigation strategies.
Cross-Site Scripting Attack Report
Show steps
Improve understanding of cross-site scripting attacks by writing a comprehensive report.
Browse courses on
Cross-Site Scripting
Show steps
-
Research different types of cross-site scripting attacks.
-
Analyze case studies of real-world XSS attacks.
-
Develop a detailed report on XSS prevention techniques.
Authentication Bypass Demonstration
Show steps
Deepen understanding of authentication bypass vulnerabilities by creating a proof-of-concept demonstration.
Browse courses on
Authentication
Show steps
-
Research common authentication bypass techniques.
-
Identify vulnerabilities in a target application.
-
Develop a demonstration to exploit the vulnerability.
-
Write a detailed report on the findings and mitigation strategies.
Course Notes Review
Show steps
Reinforce class material and improve retention by reviewing notes and assignments.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review lecture notes.
- Complete practice questions and assignments.
- Summarize key concepts in your own words.
WebGoat Penetration Testing Tutorial
Show steps
Gain practical penetration testing experience by following a guided tutorial on WebGoat.
Browse courses on
Penetration Testing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Install WebGoat and set up a testing environment.
- Work through the WebGoat modules, exploiting vulnerabilities.
- Apply mitigation techniques and learn from real-world examples.
Connect with Application Security Professionals
Show steps
Expand knowledge and gain insights by connecting with experienced application security professionals.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend industry events and conferences.
- Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn.
- Join online communities and forums.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Complete a Vulnerabilities Quiz
Show steps
Test your knowledge of basic vulnerabilities by taking a quick quiz.
Browse courses on
Vulnerabilities
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Navigate to the OWASP website
- Locate the 'OWASP Top Ten' resources
- Take the 'Vulnerability Quiz'
Learn SQL Injection via Guided Tutorial
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of SQL injection attacks by following a guided tutorial.
Browse courses on
SQL Injection
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an online tutorial on SQL injection
- Follow the steps in the tutorial
- Test your understanding by completing the exercises
Cross-Site Scripting Practice
Show steps
Reinforce understanding of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities by performing hands-on exercises.
Browse courses on
Cross-Site Scripting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set up a vulnerable web application environment.
- Identify and exploit cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
- Implement mitigation strategies to prevent XSS attacks.
Create a XSS Cheat Sheet
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge of XSS by creating a comprehensive cheat sheet.
Browse courses on
Cross-Site Scripting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information on different types of XSS attacks
- Compile your findings into a well-organized cheat sheet
- Share your cheat sheet with others
SQL Injection Practice
Show steps
Enhance understanding of SQL injection vulnerabilities by engaging in practical exercises.
Browse courses on
SQL Injection
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set up a vulnerable database environment.
- Craft SQL injection payloads.
- Extract sensitive data using SQL injection techniques.
- Implement defense mechanisms to prevent SQL injection attacks.
Component Vulnerability Analysis
Show steps
Strengthen understanding of the risks associated with vulnerable components by analyzing a codebase.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use OWASP Dependency Checker to scan code for vulnerabilities.
- Prioritize vulnerabilities based on severity and impact.
- Research and implement mitigation strategies.
Cross-Site Scripting Attack Report
Show steps
Improve understanding of cross-site scripting attacks by writing a comprehensive report.
Browse courses on
Cross-Site Scripting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different types of cross-site scripting attacks.
- Analyze case studies of real-world XSS attacks.
- Develop a detailed report on XSS prevention techniques.
Authentication Bypass Demonstration
Show steps
Deepen understanding of authentication bypass vulnerabilities by creating a proof-of-concept demonstration.
Browse courses on
Authentication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research common authentication bypass techniques.
- Identify vulnerabilities in a target application.
- Develop a demonstration to exploit the vulnerability.
- Write a detailed report on the findings and mitigation strategies.
Career center
Learners who complete Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts design and implement systems to protect an organization's computer networks and data from unauthorized access or attack. They monitor activity to identify and respond to potential threats. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for Information Security Analysts. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help protect organizations from data breaches and other security incidents.
Security Consultant
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. They work with organizations to identify and mitigate security risks. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for Security Consultants. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help organizations improve their security posture.
Software Developer
Software Developer
Software Developers design, build, and maintain computer software. They work with users to understand their needs and translate those needs into technical solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for Software Developers. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help build secure software that is less likely to be exploited by attackers.
Security Engineer
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect organizations from unauthorized access or attack. They work with other IT professionals to identify and mitigate security risks. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for Security Engineers. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help build secure systems that are less likely to be exploited by attackers.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers simulate attacks on an organization's computer networks and systems to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. They provide a report of their findings to the organization, along with recommendations for how to fix the vulnerabilities. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for Penetration Testers. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help organizations improve their security posture.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect an organization's computer networks from unauthorized access or attack. They work with other IT professionals to identify and mitigate security risks. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for Network Security Engineers. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help build secure networks that are less likely to be exploited by attackers.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts monitor and analyze an organization's computer networks and systems for security threats. They work with other IT professionals to investigate and respond to security incidents. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for Cybersecurity Analysts. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help organizations improve their security posture.
Security Manager
Security Manager
Security Managers oversee an organization's security program. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for Security Managers. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help organizations build secure systems that are less likely to be exploited by attackers.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for an organization's overall security strategy. They work with other executives to develop and implement security policies and procedures. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for CISOs. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help organizations build secure systems that are less likely to be exploited by attackers.
Security Architect
Security Architect
Security Architects design and implement security solutions to protect organizations from unauthorized access or attack. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for Security Architects. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help organizations build secure systems that are less likely to be exploited by attackers.
Security Researcher
Security Researcher
Security Researchers identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer software and systems. They work with vendors to develop patches and fixes for these vulnerabilities. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which is a key skill for Security Researchers. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help improve the security of software and systems.
Computer Forensic Analyst
Computer Forensic Analyst
Computer Forensic Analysts investigate computer systems to gather evidence of crimes. They work with law enforcement and other investigators to analyze data and provide expert testimony. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which may be helpful for Computer Forensic Analysts. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help law enforcement and other investigators gather evidence of crimes.
Ethical Hacker
Ethical Hacker
Ethical Hackers use their technical skills to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. They work with organizations to assess their security posture and identify areas for improvement. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which may be helpful for Ethical Hackers. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help organizations improve their security posture.
Incident Responder
Incident Responder
Incident Responders investigate and respond to security incidents. They work with other IT professionals to contain and mitigate the impact of security breaches. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which may be helpful for Incident Responders. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help organizations respond to security incidents more effectively.
Malware Analyst
Malware Analyst
Malware Analysts analyze malicious software to identify its purpose and behavior. They work with law enforcement and other investigators to track down the creators of malware and disrupt their operations. This course provides a strong foundation in exploiting and securing vulnerabilities in Java applications, which may be helpful for Malware Analysts. By learning to identify and fix vulnerabilities, students can help law enforcement and other investigators track down the creators of malware and disrupt their operations.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4u4apr/exploiting
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications.
This document provides a comprehensive guide to web application security testing. It offers practical guidance and methodologies for students to enhance their penetration testing skills.
This document provides a comprehensive set of secure coding rules for Java. It's a valuable resource for students to learn best practices for writing secure Java code.
Is an excellent reference for understanding the underlying concepts of web application security. It provides practical examples and techniques for exploiting vulnerabilities, which can be valuable for students looking to improve their offensive security skills.
Provides a comprehensive guide to software security assessment, covering various techniques and methodologies. It's a valuable resource for students interested in developing a deeper understanding of security testing principles.
Focuses specifically on cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, providing a deep dive into the techniques used by attackers and the defenses that can be implemented.
Offers comprehensive Java coding guidelines, including best practices for writing secure code. It complements the course's focus on Java security by providing general coding principles.
Offers a broader perspective on secure coding practices beyond Java. It provides general principles and techniques that can be applied to various programming languages, complementing the Java-specific focus of the course.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4u4apr/exploiting
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Rating
4.4
Effort
23 hours to complete
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Davis
Instructor
Joubin Jabbari
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Secure Coding Practices. It's comprised of four courses:
- Principles of Secure Coding
- Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications (viewing)
- Identifying Security Vulnerabilities in C/C++Programming
- Identifying Security Vulnerabilities
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