From Day Zero to Zero Day: A Critical Review
▼ Summary
– “From Day Zero to Zero Day” is a practical guide for cybersecurity professionals to transition from learning about vulnerabilities to actively discovering them.
– The author, Eugene Lim, is an award-winning security researcher who won the Most Valuable Hacker award at the H1-213 live hacking event in 2019.
– The book is structured into three parts: code review, reverse engineering, and fuzzing, each with hands-on examples, tools, and real-world bug references.
– It covers techniques like source code analysis, binary reverse engineering, and fuzzing, using tools such as Ghidra, Frida, AFL++, and CodeQL.
– The book targets experienced cybersecurity professionals, offering actionable workflows to break down complex vulnerability research into manageable steps.
From Day Zero to Zero Day delivers a hands-on approach to vulnerability research, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application for cybersecurity professionals. The book stands out by offering actionable insights into uncovering software flaws, making it invaluable for those ready to move beyond basic penetration testing.
Eugene Lim, the author, brings credibility to the table as an accomplished security researcher. His recognition as Most Valuable Hacker at the H1-213 live hacking event underscores his expertise in the field. This experience translates into a book that’s both technical and accessible, avoiding overly academic explanations in favor of real-world applicability.
The content is structured into three core sections: code review, reverse engineering, and fuzzing. Each segment dives deep into methodologies used by professionals to identify vulnerabilities. The code review section, for instance, doesn’t just explain concepts—it ties them to actual CVEs, demonstrating how real-world bugs were discovered. Tools like CodeQL and Semgrep are introduced, helping readers automate large-scale code analysis efficiently.
When source code isn’t available, the reverse engineering section steps in. Lim breaks down how to analyze different binary types, from compiled C programs to Java bytecode, using tools like Ghidra and Frida. The focus on static and dynamic analysis techniques ensures readers grasp how to trace vulnerable code paths, even without original source access.
Fuzzing, often seen as a complex topic, is demystified with clear guidance on coverage-guided fuzzing using AFL++ and other tools. The book doesn’t shy away from advanced topics, covering managed memory binaries and intricate file formats, making it useful for those looking to refine their automation skills.
What sets this book apart is its honesty. Lim acknowledges that vulnerability research is neither quick nor easy but provides repeatable workflows to simplify the process. This makes it particularly useful for red teamers and penetration testers who want to transition from exploiting known flaws to discovering new ones.
For cybersecurity professionals serious about advancing their skills, “From Day Zero to Zero Day” is a must-read. Its blend of practical examples, tooling walkthroughs, and real-world context ensures readers gain the confidence to tackle vulnerability research head-on.
(Source: HelpNet Security)