Mistakes I done during my OSCP Preparation.
Last year I cleared my OSCP exam. I was chasing oscp goal since last 2 years. I attempted it for many times failed due to some mistakes but this time I decided to work on all mistakes and cleared my exam. This blog is about my journey of failure.
Attempt 1:- (30 Marks) ( 1 10 mark box + 2 local users)
My personal aspirations, including a career shift, a company, and many others, kept me occupied. I didn’t take any notes before starting my preparation. I spent my lab time watching videos, reading PDFs, and solving as many Boxes as I could.
Mistake :- Lack of commitment, focus.
Take-away :- I started focusing on concepts and exercises instead of just cracking boxes.
Attempt 2 :- (40 Marks) (1 20 Mark box + 1 local user + 1 10 Mark box)
I began my exam and was informed that I could not meet the minimal system requirements. My version of Windows 7 was unsupported. Due to this problem, my exam started late, which made it difficult for me to focus. However, I wanted to try.
Mistake : I didn’t even bother reading the exam guide provided by before this attempt which resulted in frustration .
Take-Away :- Keep your exam machine and notes close by and updated at all times. Exam guides should be read, and nothing should ever be taken into consideration without official confirmation.
Attempt 3 ( 65 Marks) (1 Bof 25 Marks + 20 Marks + 20 Marks)
This time I started with bof and I was able to complete this box within hour. But then I stuck into rabbit holes and it took long time to get over it. I used Metasploit as last resource which was mistake. I was jumping from one box to another frequently.
Mistake : someone said “All battles are first won or lost, in the mind.” and I was not able to focus during exam. I was not ready to accept things as they were.
Take-Away:- Prepare complete exam plan. Allocate dedicated time for each box rather each step. If you are stuck for while change service or port don’t change box until you pass dedicated time.
So you must me wondering how I cracked my exam on my 4th attempt. For my 4th attempt I created proper plan using notion. I considered all exam passing scenarios and prepared 3 different plans. I am sharing my notion template you can refer it https://mrtechghost.notion.site/OSCP-Preparation-Dashboard-e44f0fc683bb4fdc9ecd851a857e64b2
you can connect with me on my twitter.
https://twitter.com/mrtechghost