If enabled, you cannot execute shellcode on the stack; you must use ROP (Return Oriented Programming) . ASLR/PIE: Determines if memory addresses are randomized. 2. Identifying the Vulnerability
Using the pwntools Python library is the most efficient way to automate the attack: download-swsec-bin
Begin by checking the file type and security protections using file and checksec : Usually a 64-bit ELF executable. Canary: If disabled, it makes stack smashing easier. If enabled, you cannot execute shellcode on the
Use a pattern generator (like cyclic ) in gdb-pwndbg to find exactly how many bytes are needed to reach the Instruction Pointer ( RIP ). By reverse engineering the binary (using tools like
By reverse engineering the binary (using tools like Ghidra or IDA Pro ), you will likely find a function using an unsafe input method:
If ASLR is enabled, you may need to leak a libc address (like puts or __libc_start_main ) to calculate the base address of the C library. Construct the Payload: Padding: Fill the buffer up to the return address.