Exploit Developer Roadmap (12+ Months)

📚 Prerequisites

Proficiency in C, C++, Python, and Assembly (x86/x64)
Strong Linux fundamentals (file systems, permissions, memory)
Comfortable using command-line tools and writing shell scripts
Basic understanding of OS internals (syscalls, memory layout)
Familiarity with tools like GDB, pwndbg, IDA Pro, Ghidra, and Radare2
Experience solving beginner-to-intermediate CTF challenges
Understanding of networking (TCP/IP, ports, sockets)
Ability to read and debug low-level code and logs

🌐 Sites & Platforms to Learn Exploit Development

pwn.college – structured pwn challenges with guided labs
exploit.education – hands-on Linux exploitation levels
Hack The Box – real-world style exploitation labs
TryHackMe – beginner to intermediate exploitation paths
CTFtime.org – track real CTF competitions & challenges
OverTheWire – great for Linux and binary exploitation basics
pwnable.kr – exploit challenges with increasing difficulty
reversing.kr – binary reversing and exploitation practice
FuzzySecurity – Windows exploit dev tutorial series
RPISEC/MBE – Modern Binary Exploitation course
how2heap – practical heap exploitation techniques
Project Zero Blog – advanced real-world exploit writeups
LLDB / LLVM Docs – reverse engineering with modern tooling