1. GDB (GNU Debugger):
A powerful, open-source debugger that allows you to see what is happening inside a program while it executes or when it crashes. Essential for analyzing binaries. Add-on: GEF (GDB Enhanced Features) or Pwndbg: Extends GDB with useful features for reverse engineering and binary exploitation. Online GDB Debugger
2. Disassemblers and Decompilers
- Ghidra: A free, open-source reverse engineering suite developed by the NSA. It provides both a disassembler and a decompiler, helping you analyze and understand binary code. Ghidra Website
3. Binary Analysis Tools
- objdump: A part of the GNU Binutils, it provides information about the sections, headers, and disassembly of a binary file.
4. Exploitation Frameworks
- pwntools: A Python CTF framework and exploit development library. It simplifies the process of writing and automating exploits. Pwntools Website
5. Virtualization and Sandboxing Tools
- VirtualBox or VMware: Useful for running multiple operating systems in virtual machines (VMs) where you can practice exploitation in a safe environment.
6. Memory Manipulation Tools
- Valgrind: A memory debugging tool that can help you detect memory leaks, buffer overflows, and other memory-related errors in programs.