Exploring OverTheWire: Level 15 to Level 16 - Bandit Challenge

Introduction

As we ascend the ranks of the Bandit Challenge, Level 16 ↗️ presents us with a new twist. This time, we’re required to submit the password of the current level to a designated port on localhost using SSL encryption. By utilizing tools like openssl and s_client, we’ll complete this challenge and access the coveted password.

Challenge Overview

By utilizing tools like openssl and s_client, we’ll complete this challenge and access the coveted password.

Approach and Strategy

Follow these steps to successfully solve Level 16

ssh [email protected] -p 2220

Enter the password you obtained from the previous level.

To submit the current level’s password to port 30001 on localhost we will be using openssl and s_client

echo {current_level_password} | openssl s_client -connect localhost:30001 -ign_eof

Replace {current_level_password} with the password you obtained from the current level.

The -ign_eof flag ensures that the connection isn’t terminated prematurely.

The output of the command will display the password for the next level. Take note of it for the next level.

Notes

• SSL encryption ensures secure data transmission over the network.
• The openssl ↗️ utility provides various functions related to SSL and cryptography.
• Use the -connect option with s_client to establish a secure connection to the specified host and port.
• The -ign_eof flag prevents the connection from being closed prematurely.

Conclusion

Congratulations on successfully completing Level 16 of the Bandit Challenge! By submitting the current level’s password to port 30001 on localhost using SSL encryption, we gained access to the password for the next level.

Stay tuned for the next blog post, where we’ll take on Level 17 and continue our quest to become skilled cybersecurity practitioners.