# Insecure Deserialization

> Exploit insecure deserialization across PHP, Java, Python, and .NET to achieve remote code execution using gadget chains and ysoserial.

Canonical: https://codelivly.com/rooms/insecure-deserialization
Last updated: 2026-08-23

| | |
|---|---|
| Level | Intermediate |
| Category | Cybersecurity |
| Lessons | 5 |
| Estimated time | 1 h 30 min |
| XP | 600 |

This module covers one of the most dangerous and misunderstood vulnerability classes in web security. You will learn how serialization works across multiple languages, why deserializing untrusted data is catastrophic, and how attackers chain together existing application classes to achieve remote code execution. Through hands-on labs, you will identify deserialization entry points in PHP, Java, Python, and .NET applications, craft malicious serialized payloads using ysoserial, exploit ASP.NET ViewState, and escalate from a simple cookie modification to full server compromise. This module closes the gap between understanding the theory and actually exploiting deserialization in real-world assessments.

## Lessons

1. What is Serialization (30 min)
2. Identifying Deserialization Points (30 min)
3. Exploiting Deserialization for Remote Code Execution (30 min)
4. Tools: ysoserial & ViewState Exploitation Basics (30 min)
5. Guided Lab: RCE via Insecure Deserialization (30 min)

## Related

- [Learning path: Web Application Security](https://codelivly.com/learning-paths/web-application-security)
- [All rooms](https://codelivly.com/rooms)