Course 27 - Hacking Web Applications, Penetration Testing, CTF | Episode 5: Penetration Testing Terminology and Core Security Concepts | CyberCode Academy

In this lesson, you’ll learn about:

Core penetration testing terminology, including the difference between a vulnerability (a weakness in a system) and an exploit (the method used to leverage that weakness).
Payload concepts, understanding how attackers deliver custom code to a target system after successful exploitation.
Shellcode fundamentals, the low-level assembly instructions often embedded within exploits to execute specific actions on a compromised machine.
Shell types and communication methods, including:
- Reverse shells, where the target initiates a connection back to the tester’s listener.
- Bind shells, where the target opens a listening port and the tester connects directly.
- Web shells, typically deployed through vulnerable web applications.
- Interpreter shells, providing command execution through scripting environments.
Zero-day vulnerabilities, defined as previously unknown security flaws that are exploited before developers can release a patch or mitigation.
The CIA triad, the foundational security model emphasizing:
- Confidentiality – preventing unauthorized data disclosure
- Integrity – ensuring data remains accurate and unaltered
- Availability – maintaining reliable system and data access

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Course 27 - Hacking Web Applications, Penetration Testing, CTF | Episode 5: Penetration Testing Terminology and Core Security Concepts