In the world of binary exploitation, gadgets are crucial building blocks for bypassing modern security defenses. Whether you’re attacking vulnerable software in a CTF or conducting real-world vulnerability research, Return-Oriented Programming (ROP) and other gadget-based techniques can turn the simplest bug into a powerful exploit. But what are gadgets, and how do tools like Ropper, ROPgadget, and one_gadget help us find and use them? In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into gadgets, from understanding what they are and why they’re essential in modern exploitation, to mastering the use of tools like Ropper, ROPgadget, and one_gadget for advanced gadget hunting.