Below are common write-up strategies for challenges that feature "invisible" hacks or complex ZIP manipulations. 1. Forensics: Invisible Data within ZIPs
: Link a dummy file to a sensitive one (e.g., ln -s /etc/passwd link.txt ). InvisibleHack.zip
In some recent forensics challenges (e.g., ), the "invisible hack" refers to using zero-width characters or homograph attacks . This involves hiding data in plain sight by using characters that don't render visually but exist in the file's hex data. 4. Digital Hazards: The ZIP Bomb Below are common write-up strategies for challenges that
: When the web application extracts the ZIP, it creates a link that allows you to read the sensitive file through the web interface. 3. Steganography: Invisible Characters In some recent forensics challenges (e
In web exploitation challenges (like those on Hack The Box ), a common "hack" involves creating an "invisible" link to system files:
: Challenge authors often hide clues or the flag itself in the "Central Directory" comment field of the ZIP. Tools like zipdetails or exiftool can reveal these.
: A password-protected ZIP might be hidden inside another file (like an image) using tools like steghide . 2. Web: The "Invisible" Symlink Hack