To dive deeper into reverse engineering and low-level programming on Windows, focusing on topics like hooking, Win32 API internals, DLLs, Windows internals, and debugging, here's a roadmap along with recommended resources:

Topics to Focus On

1. Windows Internals

   • Understand the architecture of Windows, including user mode vs. kernel mode, processes, threads, and memory management.
   • Learn about system calls and the NT kernel.

2. Hooking Techniques

   • Inline hooks, import/export table hooking, and API hooking.
   • Detour functions and trampoline hooks.
   • Writing your own hooking frameworks.

3. Win32 API

   • Familiarize yourself with common API calls for process/thread management, memory manipulation, and interprocess communication.
   • Explore undocumented APIs.

4. DLL Injection and Creation

   • Techniques like LoadLibrary, CreateRemoteThread, and APC injection.
   • Creating DLLs that can be injected into other processes.

5. Debugging and Analysis

   • Use debuggers like x64dbg, OllyDbg, or WinDbg.
   • Learn about the PE file format and tools like PE Explorer.

6. Reverse Engineering Tools

   • IDA Pro, Ghidra, and Radare2.
   • Practice disassembly and decompilation.

Books

1. Windows Internals (Part 1 and Part 2) by Mark Russinovich, David Solomon, and Alex Ionescu

   • The definitive guide to understanding the inner workings of Windows.
   • Focus on process/thread management, memory management, and the Windows API.

2. The Art of Memory Forensics by Michael Hale Ligh, Andrew Case, Jamie Levy, and Aaron Walters

   • Explains how to analyze volatile memory and understand low-level Windows processes.

3. Reversing: Secrets of Reverse Engineering by Eldad Eilam

   • Great for beginners looking to understand reverse engineering concepts.

4. Practical Malware Analysis by Michael Sikorski and Andrew Honig

   • Focused on reverse engineering malware, but teaches useful Windows internals and debugging techniques.

5. Windows via C/C++ by Jeffrey Richter

   • A solid introduction to the Win32 API and advanced Windows programming.

6. Rootkits: Subverting the Windows Kernel by Greg Hoglund and James Butler

   • Covers kernel-level programming and advanced hooking techniques.

Online Courses and Tutorials

1. Windows Internals for Developers and Reverse Engineers (Pluralsight)

   • A detailed course on understanding Windows internals.

2. Modern Windows Exploitation by Corelan Team

   • Focuses on Windows exploitation, which covers hooking and low-level debugging.

3. Open Security Training

   • Free courses like Intro to x86 and Windows Kernel Exploitation.

4. Udemy - Reverse Engineering & Malware Analysis Series

   • Practical courses on reverse engineering using Windows tools.

5. Malware Unicorn’s Reverse Engineering 101

   • A beginner-friendly guide to reverse engineering.

Practical Resources

1. Official Microsoft Documentation

   • Windows API Reference
   • Comprehensive and updated documentation on Windows functions.

2. Github Repositories

   • Explore repositories like Process Hacker and Cheat Engine to learn real-world hooking implementations.

3. Code Practice

   • Build your own hooking tools using libraries like Detours or MinHook.

4. Forums and Communities

   • Join communities like Reverse Engineering StackExchange, and forums like Black Hat, Hack Forums, or Reddit's r/ReverseEngineering.

Hands-On Projects

• Write a DLL Injector

  • Start with LoadLibrary and advance to APC injection.

• Create a Hooking Framework

  • Implement inline hooks or detours using MinHook or your custom assembly.

• Reverse a Windows Binary

  • Use x64dbg or IDA Pro to understand how Windows programs operate.

• Develop a Basic Rootkit

  • Intercept system calls or modify SSDT for a deeper understanding of kernel hooks (use a controlled environment).

Additional Tips

1. Start Small

   • Begin with user-mode hooking and move to kernel-mode as you gain confidence.

2. Practice on Real Systems

   • Set up a virtual machine to avoid damaging your host system.

3. Master Debugging

   • Learn tools like x64dbg and Windbg inside out.

4. Join Competitions

   • Participate in CTFs focused on reverse engineering.

Would you like recommendations for virtual environments or tools to get started?