Overview
Advanced Web Attacks and Exploitation (AWAE) is an advanced web application security review course. We teach the skills needed to conduct white box web app penetration tests.
OSWE is an advanced web application security certification. We recommend starting with PWK and earning the OSCP penetration testing certification first.
Once you’ve completed the AWAE course material and practiced your skills in the labs (90 day access), you’re ready to take the certification exam. The OSWE exam has a time limit of 48 hours and consists of a hands-on web application assessment in our isolated VPN network. Within the exam environment, you’ll attack various web applications and operating systems. Points are awarded for each compromised application, based on their difficulty and the level of access obtained.
If you obtain the points needed to pass, you must submit a comprehensive web application assessment report. It should contain in-depth notes and screenshots detailing your findings. This exam is proctored. Students who complete the course and pass the exam earn the Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE) certification, demonstrating mastery in exploiting front-facing web apps.
Prerequisites
Advanced Web Attacks and Exploitation expects students have the following before starting the course:
- Familiarity with coding languages: Java, .NET, JavaScript, Python
- Familiarity with Linux: file permissions, navigation, editing, and running scripts
- Ability to write simple Python / Perl / PHP / Bash scripts
- Experience with web proxies, such as Burp Suite and similar tools
- General understanding of web app attack vectors, theory, and practice (covered in PWK)
Target Audience
Advanced Web Attacks and Exploitation is not an entry-level course. AWAE is designed for:
- Experienced penetration testers who want to better understand white box web app pentesting
- Web application security specialists
- Web professionals working with the codebase and security infrastructure of a web application
- (software engineer, full stack web developer, etc)
A passing exam grade will declare you an Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE). Certified OSWEs have a clear and practical understanding of the web application assessment and hacking process. They’ve proven their ability to review advanced source code in web apps, identify vulnerabilities, and exploit them.
We recommend it as an option for skills specialization after completing PWK.
Objectives
Students will learn how to:
- Perform a deep analysis of decompiled code,
- Identify logical vulnerabilities many scanners aren’t equipped to find, and
- Exploit vulnerabilities by chaining them into complex attacks.
Outline
AWAE is not a course focused on black box methodology. You will be learning white box web app pentest methods. The bulk of your time will be spent analyzing source code, decompiling Java, debugging DLLs, manipulating requests, and more, using tools like Burp Suite, dnSpy, JD-GUI, Visual Studio, and the trusty text editor. The course covers the following topics in detail. For a more complete breakdown of the course topics, please refer to the AWAE syllabus.
- Persistent Cross-Site Scripting
- Session Hijacking
- .NET Deserialization
- Data Exfiltration
- Bypassing File Extension Filters
- Magic Hashes
- PostgreSQL Extension and User Defined Functions
- Bypassing REGEX restrictions
- Cross-Site Request Forgery
- Type Juggling
- Blind SQL Injection
- Bypassing File Upload Restrictions
- Loose Comparisons
- Bypassing Character Restrictions
- PostgreSQL Large Objects
- Debugging .NET Assemblies
Supporting your online journey
- 6-hour video series
- 270-page course guide
- Active student forums
- (90 day) Access to virtual lab environment
Cyber Security learning paths
Want to boost your career in cyber security? Click on the roles below to see QA's learning pathways, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.
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Offensive Cyber Operations learning paths
Want to boost your career in the world of Offensive Cyber Operations? View QA's learning pathway below, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.
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Offensive Security learning path
Want to boost your career in Offensive Security? View QA's learning pathway below, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.
= Required
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Frequently asked questions
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There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
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Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting (more details in the link below) to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
Learn more about our Virtual Classrooms.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
Learn more about QA’s online courses.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.