Intermediate Cybersecurity Labs

Level Up Your Exploitation Skills

Take your cybersecurity expertise to the next level with intermediate labs that challenge your problem-solving abilities. Master advanced techniques like SQL injection, XXE exploitation, and session management in controlled, safe environments. Think critically, exploit responsibly.

Access Intermediate Labs

Advanced SQL Injection

Master blind, error-based, and time-based SQL injection techniques with manual and automated approaches.

File Upload Bypasses

Learn to bypass MIME checks, content validation, and achieve controlled execution in secure environments.

Session Management

Understand session fixation, cookie security, and privilege escalation through practical exercises.

Intermediate Labs

Realistic exploitation scenarios with comprehensive remediation guidance

SQL Injection — Data Extraction

Practice blind and error-based SQLi on a safe target. Learn manual payload crafting and automated tooling responsibly.

Tools: sqlmap, manual Time: 60–90m Difficulty: 3/5
Start Lab

File Upload Bypass → RCE (Simulated)

Explore MIME checks, content sniffing, and safe chaining to a simulated RCE in a controlled environment with cleanup steps.

Time: 60–90m Difficulty: 3/5
Start Lab

Session Fixation & Broken Session Management

Investigate session creation, fixation, cookie flags and cross-subdomain session handling. Learn to suggest robust mitigations.

Tools: Browser, Burp Time: 45–75m Difficulty: 3/5
Start Lab

XXE — XML External Entity

Safe XXE exercises that capture submitted XML payloads and teach secure parsing and mitigation techniques.

Tools: XML, curl Time: 50m Difficulty: 3/5
Start Lab

CSRF — State-changing Requests

Understand CSRF mechanics, tokens, SameSite cookies, and how to detect and protect state-changing endpoints.

Tools: Browser, DevTools Time: 40–60m Difficulty: 3/5
Start Lab

Broken Access Control — Privilege Escalation

Find and exploit common access control mistakes, then write remediation recommendations and proof-of-fix steps.

Time: 60–120m Difficulty: 3/5
Start Lab

Professional Tools

Master the advanced tools used by cybersecurity professionals

Burp Suite

sqlmap

Command Line

Custom Scripts

Proxy Tools

XML Parsers

Responsible Testing & Reporting

All intermediate labs are instrumented and logged for learning purposes. Never use these techniques on third-party systems without explicit authorization. Follow our responsible disclosure process for any real-world findings and always prioritize ethical practices in your cybersecurity journey.

Prerequisites & Preparation

Completion of beginner labs or equivalent foundational knowledge is recommended. Familiarity with HTTP protocols, basic Linux commands, browser developer tools, and proxy configuration will help you get the most from these intermediate exercises. Each lab includes progressive hints to guide your learning.

Ready to Advance Your Skills?

Join AstralGuard Cyber Academy and access our complete library of intermediate labs. Build advanced cybersecurity expertise through realistic exploitation scenarios and professional reporting practices.