Introduction

In today's evolving threat landscape, web shells have emerged as one of the most insidious tools used by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerable web applications. These malicious scripts provide persistent backdoor access to compromised servers, enabling unauthorized remote control, data exfiltration, lateral movement, and stealthy attacks. As digital infrastructure expands, web shell detection and analysis have become a critical skillset for cybersecurity professionals, penetration testers, SOC analysts, and incident responders. Training Course on Web Shell Detection and Analysis provides comprehensive, hands-on knowledge required to identify, analyze, and mitigate these hidden threats using advanced tools and real-world techniques.

This instructor-led and lab-intensive course covers everything from code obfuscation patterns and command-and-control behavior to machine learning detection models and YARA-based threat hunting. Participants will develop an in-depth understanding of how attackers deploy web shells across various platforms such as PHP, ASP, JSP, and Python environments. By the end of the training, learners will be able to proactively hunt for and neutralize web shells, understand attacker TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures), and integrate detection mechanisms into SIEMs, EDR, and cloud security solutions.

Programme Curriculum

Training Course on Web Shell Detection and Analysis

Introduction

Course Objectives

Understand web shell fundamentals and attack vectors
Identify commonly exploited web vulnerabilities leading to web shell deployment
Detect obfuscated malicious code in web environments
Analyze live and dormant web shell behavior using forensic techniques
Develop and deploy YARA rules for web shell detection
Use machine learning models for anomaly-based detection
Integrate web shell detection into SIEM and XDR systems
Perform memory and disk forensics to trace web shell activities
Conduct threat hunting using open-source intelligence (OSINT)
Automate web shell analysis using Python and custom scripts
Respond to web shell incidents using IR playbooks
Assess server hardening and mitigation best practices
Evaluate cloud-hosted application security against web shell threats

Target Audiences

Security Analysts
SOC (Security Operations Center) Teams
Incident Responders
Penetration Testers
Web Developers
IT Security Managers
Digital Forensics Experts
DevSecOps Professionals

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Web Shells

Definition and history of web shells
Common scripting languages used (PHP, ASP, JSP)
MITRE ATT&CK framework techniques
Web shell categories: single-function vs. full-featured
Real-world impact on government and private networks
Case Study: China Chopper in a government agency compromise

Module 2: Attack Vectors and Delivery Methods

Exploited vulnerabilities: RCE, file upload flaws
Web shell upload tactics
Hidden extensions and filename spoofing
Web application misconfigurations
Lateral movement post-deployment
Case Study: Exploitation via CVE-2021-26855 (Exchange ProxyLogon)

Module 3: Static Web Shell Detection

Code pattern identification
Obfuscation recognition
Comparing hashes and known IOCs
Regex and signature-based tools
Static analysis automation tools
Case Study: Detecting obfuscated PHP shells on WordPress sites

Module 4: Dynamic Behavior Analysis

Sandbox execution and monitoring
Behavioral profiling of web shells
Logging suspicious HTTP requests
API misuse detection
Dynamic analysis frameworks
Case Study: Behavior monitoring on compromised IIS server

Module 5: YARA Rules and Signature Creation

Writing custom YARA rules
Integrating YARA with file monitoring systems
Rule tuning for false positive reduction
Repositories of known web shell signatures
Using VirusTotal with YARA
Case Study: Creating effective YARA rules for local web shell detection

Module 6: SIEM and Log Correlation

Integrating Apache/IIS logs into SIEM
Log-based anomaly detection
Triggering alerts for suspicious behaviors
Threat intelligence enrichment
Building correlation rules
Case Study: Correlating Splunk logs to identify persistent access

Module 7: Memory Forensics

Capturing volatile memory with tools like Volatility
Extracting web shell indicators from RAM
Analysis of injected code
Malware persistence in memory
Dealing with encrypted payloads
Case Study: Memory dump revealing encoded reverse shell

Module 8: File System Forensics

Timeline analysis of server files
Metadata manipulation techniques
Recovery of deleted web shells
Directory traversal patterns
File integrity monitoring
Case Study: Forensic analysis of .htaccess-controlled web shell

Module 9: Cloud-Based Web Shells

Exploitation in cloud apps (Azure, AWS)
Containerized environments and risks
Serverless function abuse
Logging limitations in cloud
Cloud-native security tools for detection
Case Study: Web shell in AWS Lambda due to S3 misconfig

Module 10: Threat Hunting Techniques

Developing web shell hunting hypotheses
Leveraging OSINT for IOCs
Using ElasticSearch and Kibana
Filtering known-good traffic
Prioritizing based on risk
Case Study: GitHub IOC leads to detection in live environment

Module 11: Malware Analysis Automation

Using Python for batch file analysis
Integration with open-source tools (Cuckoo, ClamAV)
Automated reporting dashboards
Playbook scripting for detection
Email and log-based triage automation
Case Study: Python script automating shell detection across 50 hosts

Module 12: Incident Response for Web Shells

Identification and containment steps
Chain of custody for evidence
IR team roles and escalation
Mitigation of web shell persistence
Legal and compliance considerations
Case Study: Multi-phase IR in retail breach with embedded web shell

Module 13: Secure Development and Prevention

Input validation and sanitization
Secure coding standards (OWASP)
Upload restriction techniques
Web application firewalls (WAF)
DevSecOps integration points
Case Study: Code audit reveals insecure file upload module

Module 14: Advanced Machine Learning for Detection

Supervised vs. unsupervised learning
Feature extraction from web logs
Model training with labeled datasets
False positive management
ML integration into SIEM
Case Study: ML model flags encoded ASPX web shell

Module 15: Final Simulation and Capstone Project

Full attack simulation with detection
Forensics reporting and remediation planning
Presenting findings to stakeholders
Peer review of analysis
Post-mortem and continuous monitoring
Case Study: Simulated cross-platform web shell attack lifecycle

Training Methodology

Instructor-led expert sessions with live Q&A
Hands-on labs and simulations using real-world attack data
Group exercises and collaborative analysis
Guided threat hunting assignments
Capstone project with red-blue team scenario

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Web shell scanners server log analysis forensic tools

Programme Fee

Duration: 10 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $2,000

Physical Price: $3,000

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 30 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $2,000