University of Colorado Boulder
Security & Ethical Hacking: Attacking Unix and Windows
University of Colorado Boulder

Security & Ethical Hacking: Attacking Unix and Windows

Ahmed M. Hamza

Instructor: Ahmed M. Hamza

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

27 hours to complete
3 weeks at 9 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

27 hours to complete
3 weeks at 9 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree

What you'll learn

  • Conduct basic and advanced attacks on Unix systems.

  • Leverage programming and scripting for privilege escalation and lateral movement in computer networks.

  • Discover, debug and exploit binary vulnerabilities on modern operating systems.

  • Advanced Offensive Techniques on hardened computer systems and networks.

Details to know

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Recently updated!

February 2025

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 5 modules in this course

Module 1 provides an introduction to the course, its target systems and setup, and a quick refresher on Linux command line basics and relevant tooling

What's included

4 videos5 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

In Module 2, we take a deep dive into the basics and more obscure parts of the Unix security model, real and effective IDs for process execution and filesystem access, and setuid binaries. Applying that knowledge with some additional understanding of the shared library loading on Linux, we take a look at evasive privilege escalation in C.

What's included

3 videos2 readings1 assignment1 ungraded lab

In Module 3, we continue privilege escalation, this time with shared library hijacking techniques (function hooks and library load order exploitation). We also take a look at simpler yet equally devastating attacks, using common built-in editor software as an example of hacking by manipulating the user environment.

What's included

3 videos2 readings1 assignment2 ungraded labs

In Module 4, we demonstrate and discuss stealthy lateral movement techniques using built-in Unix tools, including a rare passphrase cracking opportunity on private keys, and a re-purpose a lot of SSH optimizations and existing tools (forwarding agents and Control Master).

What's included

2 videos5 readings1 assignment1 ungraded lab

In this final module, we examine computer memory concepts, code execution vulnerabilities in binary programs through memory corruption, and give a refresher on the relevant x86 Assembly instructions for stack overflow primitives. Shellcode and its generation is also introduced.

What's included

6 videos6 readings1 assignment

Instructor

Ahmed M. Hamza
University of Colorado Boulder
2 Courses341 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Computer Security and Networks

Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

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