What tools do I need for Web Application Security CTF challenges?

For Web Application Security challenges, we recommend: Burp Suite (proxy and scanner), OWASP ZAP, SQLMap (SQL injection), Postman (API testing), curl/httpie, Browser DevTools, ffuf (fuzzing), and nuclei (vulnerability scanner).

What tools do I need for AI/ML Security CTF challenges?

For AI/ML Security challenges, we recommend: Python, PyTorch or TensorFlow, Garak (LLM vulnerability scanner), TextAttack, Adversarial Robustness Toolbox (ART), LangChain, Jupyter Notebook, and Hugging Face libraries.

What tools do I need for Cloud Security CTF challenges?

For Cloud Security challenges, we recommend: AWS CLI, Azure CLI, gcloud CLI, kubectl, Pacu (AWS exploitation), ScoutSuite (multi-cloud auditing), Prowler, CloudFox, and Trivy (container scanning).

What is prompt injection in AI/ML CTF challenges?

Prompt injection is a vulnerability in Large Language Models (LLMs) where attackers craft inputs that override the system's instructions. In CTF challenges, you'll practice both direct prompt injection (user input manipulation) and indirect prompt injection (via external data sources).

Do I need a cloud account for Cloud Security CTF challenges?

No, you don't need your own cloud account. CSA XCON CTF 2026 provides isolated lab environments with temporary credentials for each challenge. All cloud challenges run in sandboxed environments.

CTF Challenge Categories 2026 | Web App, AI/ML, Cloud Security

Web Application Security

10+ Challenges Expected

Web application security challenges test your ability to find and exploit vulnerabilities in modern web applications. You'll encounter real-world scenarios involving authentication, authorization, injection attacks, API security, and more.

Topics Covered

SQL Injection (SQLi) - Classic, blind, time-based, and second-order injections
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) - Reflected, stored, DOM-based, and mutation XSS
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) - Internal service access, cloud metadata exploitation
Authentication Flaws - JWT attacks, OAuth misconfigurations, session management
API Security - REST/GraphQL vulnerabilities, BOLA, mass assignment
Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) - Various template engines
Deserialization Attacks - PHP, Java, Python object injection
File Upload Vulnerabilities - Bypass techniques, web shells

Recommended Tools

Burp Suite OWASP ZAP SQLMap Postman curl/httpie Browser DevTools ffuf nuclei

AI / ML Security

10+ Challenges Expected

AI/ML Security is an emerging field focusing on vulnerabilities in artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. These challenges will test your ability to attack and defend AI systems, from traditional ML models to modern Large Language Models (LLMs).

Topics Covered

Prompt Injection - Direct and indirect prompt injection in LLMs
LLM Jailbreaking - Bypassing safety guardrails and content filters
Adversarial Attacks - Crafting inputs to fool image classifiers and NLP models
Model Extraction - Stealing model parameters through API queries
Data Poisoning - Manipulating training data to compromise models
Model Inversion - Extracting sensitive training data from models
Membership Inference - Determining if data was used in training
AI Agent Exploitation - Attacking autonomous AI agents and their tool use

Recommended Tools

Python PyTorch/TensorFlow Garak TextAttack ART (Adversarial Robustness Toolbox) LangChain Jupyter Notebook Hugging Face

Note: This is a cutting-edge category! Familiarity with basic ML concepts and Python is recommended but not required for easier challenges.

Cloud Security

10+ Challenges Expected

Cloud Security challenges focus on vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure and services. You'll exploit misconfigurations in AWS, Azure, and GCP environments, attack containerized applications, and navigate complex IAM policies.

Topics Covered

IAM Misconfigurations - Overly permissive policies, privilege escalation paths
S3/Blob Storage Attacks - Public buckets, misconfigured ACLs, pre-signed URL abuse
Metadata Service Exploitation - IMDS attacks, credential theft via SSRF
Container Escapes - Docker breakouts, Kubernetes pod escapes
Kubernetes Security - RBAC bypass, secrets extraction, cluster compromise
Serverless Vulnerabilities - Lambda/Functions injection, event data attacks
Infrastructure as Code - Terraform/CloudFormation misconfigurations
Multi-Cloud Pivoting - Moving between cloud environments

Recommended Tools

AWS CLI Azure CLI gcloud CLI kubectl Pacu ScoutSuite Prowler CloudFox Trivy

Environment: Cloud challenges will use isolated lab environments. No real cloud accounts required - we provide temporary credentials for each challenge.

Challenge Categories

Web Application Security

Topics Covered

Recommended Tools

AI / ML Security

Topics Covered

Recommended Tools

Cloud Security

Topics Covered

Recommended Tools

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