Reverse › Module 9 › Lesson 2
Findings Writeup
RE findings writeup — executive pulse, static/dynamic summary, anti-analysis table, patch appendix on YOUR toy; dual-audience clarity.
Visual · t23_findings_writeup
Findings writeup = structured RE report. $RE_LAB sourced. Original Cyberlium.
Opening
A writeup turns GDB scrollback into something a teammate can follow — without paste-bin piracy patches.
RE findings writeup structure: scope ($RE_LAB, crackme/CTF source, hash), executive pulse (challenge solved Y/N, technique classes found), static summary (entry, key functions, strings), dynamic summary (breakpoints, register proof), anti-analysis section from Module 8, optional patch appendix for YOUR toy only with offsets/hashes, integrity block (no commercial targets, no piracy). Plain language for mentors; technical detail for peers. Avoid live flag spam if brief requires redaction; never include commercial crack steps or DRM bypass. chmod 600 until share channel approved.
1. Executive pulse
Binary identity, outcome, top three technique classes (e.g., strcmp check, UPX, ptrace).
One paragraph for non-RE reader — what was learned defensively.
Command guide
Try these commands — Executive pulse
═══ TOOLS & WEBSITES ═══ Browse / read these (authorized learning only — stay in YOUR lab / program scope)
Findings writeup — https://docs.hex-rays.com/ (report structure literacy) Binary Ninja — https://docs.binary.ninja/ (export notes literacy) SHA256 for YOUR binaries — https://www.openssl.org/docs/manmaster/man1/openssl-dgst.html
═══ INSTALL ═══
Linux (Debian/Ubuntu):
Command — copy this
sudo apt install openssl
macOS: Built-in
Windows:
Command — copy this
choco install openssl
═══ LINUX / macOS ═══
Command — copy this
export LAB_RE=${LAB_RE:-$HOME/cyberlium-lab/t23-re}
openssl dgst -sha256 "$LAB_RE/bin/crackme" | tee "$LAB_RE/notes/crackme-sha256.txt"
cat > "$LAB_RE/notes/findings-draft.txt" <<'EOF'
binary: crackme (YOUR educational strcmp toy)
hash: see crackme-sha256.txt
static: strings reveals prompt; objdump shows strcmp call
dynamic: gdb break main confirms key check
EOFCommand — copy this
grep -E 'binary|static|dynamic|hash' "$LAB_RE/notes/findings-draft.txt"
Primary tools to practice this lesson: grep, openssl. Reference sites: Findings writeup (https://docs.hex-rays.com/); Binary Ninja (https://docs.binary.ninja/); SHA256 for YOUR binaries (https://www.openssl.org/docs/manmaster/man1/openssl-dgst.html). Run every command in the box — install first, then the usage lines — only on YOUR lab / program scope.
2. Technical body
Static and dynamic sections cross-link note session IDs; anti-analysis table excerpt.
Patch appendix only for YOUR toy — refused commercial patch section.
3. Integrity block
$RE_LAB only, authorized crackme/CTF, no piracy, no malware evasion, observed vs inferred.
Teardown: notes secured, optional VM snapshot note.
4. What you ship: findings writeup outline
Section list + exec pulse headers + integrity block template.
5. What you record before the next lesson
Findings writeup outline path.
6. Wrong vs right: commercial piracy vs crackmes/CTF toys
Worked failure — same MSF word, opposite target. Right never needs a café Wi-Fi or classmate laptop.
Wrong
Writeup includes Adobe crack steps 'for comparison.'
Right
Findings writeup outline for $RE_LAB work. Next: Share Safely.
Mission: findings writeup outline
1) List sections in order. 2) Draft exec pulse headers. 3) Patch appendix rule YOUR toy only. 4) Write integrity block.
Stuck? Ask Cyberlium AI Mentor
Ask Mentor: “Flag in public writeup — redact?”
Knowledge Check
APPLY: RE writeup scope states:
Multiple choice
Knowledge Check
APPLY: True or False: DRM bypass steps belong in writeup.
True or False
Knowledge Check
APPLY: Technical body includes:
Multiple choice