CTF field guide
FreeLearn to win Capture The Flag competitions and think like an offense.
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About CTF field guide
The CTF Field Guide is a free, open-source book by the Trail of Bits team designed to help individuals succeed in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions and computer security careers. It covers vulnerability discovery, exploit creation, toolkit creation, and operational tradecraft through walkthroughs of past CTF challenges, guidance on designing toolkits, case studies of real-world attacker behavior, and curated reference materials from leading security experts.
Key Features
Walkthroughs and details on past CTF challenges
Guidance to design and create your own toolkits
Case studies of attacker behavior in real world and CTF competitions
Supplemented with Internet's best supporting reference materials
Structured for self-paced learning with expert contact options
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source resource
- Written by experienced security professionals from Trail of Bits
- Covers all major CTF disciplines: vulnerability discovery, exploit creation, toolkit creation, operational tradecraft
- Includes curated links to external reference materials
- Offers direct contact to experts for questions
Cons
- Static content – not a hands-on interactive tool
- May require prior basic security knowledge to fully benefit
- Limited to CTF-focused training rather than broader security topics
Best For
Preparing for Capture The Flag competitionsBuilding expertise in vulnerability discovery and exploit creationLearning computer security fundamentals through practical exercisesDesigning custom security toolkitsStudying attacker tradecraft for defensive roles
FAQ
Who is the CTF Field Guide for?
It is for anyone wanting to learn Capture The Flag competitions or improve as a computer security professional, from beginners to experienced practitioners.
What topics does the guide cover?
It covers vulnerability discovery, exploit creation, toolkit creation, and operational tradecraft, supplemented with walkthroughs of past CTF challenges and case studies.
Is the CTF Field Guide free?
Yes, it is a free and open-source resource hosted on GitHub Pages by the Trail of Bits team.