Use monospaced fonts (like Courier New or Consolas) for variables, paths, and commands. Never paste raw text without formatting, as it disrupts readability.
Saved chronologically with descriptive names (e.g., Target1_Step3_SQLi_Payload.png ).
OffSec provides official templates in Word and OpenOffice formats to ensure candidates include all mandatory sections:
The OSWE exam requires two separate documents:
LaTeX (too finicky), plain text (no structure), or proprietary note apps like Notion (which block screenshots during export). oswe exam report work
"You look like you're trying to hack the Matrix," a voice said from the doorway.
Raw files containing the vulnerable source code functions you discovered.
The core difficulty of the OSWE lies in chaining multiple vulnerabilities together. Typically, this involves combining an authentication bypass or cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability with a secondary flaw like file upload, deserialization, or command injection to achieve code execution. Your report must map this chain clearly. Code Snippets and Static Analysis
Failing the OSWE exam because of a preventable reporting mistake is a painful experience. To make sure you are not one of the candidates caught by these pitfalls, here are the most common report failure reasons and a checklist to avoid them. Use monospaced fonts (like Courier New or Consolas)
Your final PDF report must be organized logically. A standard, high-scoring OSWE report generally follows this structural blueprint: 1. Executive Summary
Here’s a structured review of , based on common experiences from individuals who have taken the Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE) certification.
Ensure your technical explanations use simple, direct language. A well-organized report with clear headers and bullet points allows evaluators to grade your work efficiently.
Unlike multiple-choice exams or simple capture-the-flag events, the OSWE exam is a 48-hour practical challenge. But the hacking is only 50% of the grade. The other 50% rests squarely on the quality, clarity, and professionalism of your penetration test report. You can completely compromise both exam boxes, but if your report is incomplete, disorganized, or lacks proof, you will fail. OffSec provides official templates in Word and OpenOffice
Do not write a sloppy script. OffSec examiners will run your script against their exam VM. If it fails due to a hardcoded IP or a missing dependency, they may mark that vulnerability as "Not Exploited."
Always check the current Offensive Security Exam Guidelines for the latest reporting requirements. 5. Submission Checklist All flags are documented. Screenshots are clear and labeled. All exploit code is included. The report is in English. The file is in the requested format (usually PDF or HTML).
Your report must be self-contained, professional, and clear. OffSec provides an official exam report template, which you should use as your foundation. A successful report must include the following core sections. 1. Executive Summary