Hands-on challenges that test your Unix, C, and systems skills. Read the prompt, solve the problem, submit the flag. No prior CTF experience needed.
Tests the material from Labs 1-4 (Navigation, Pathnames, Permissions, Redirection & Environment) and lectures 1-8. Start with the Enter the Password challenge - only given in class (or arranged with Stu ahead of time).
| Section | # | Pts | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation & Files | 20 | 260 | Labs 1-2 · Lectures 1-6 |
| Shell & Help | 12 | 220 | Lab 2 · Lectures 2-5, 7 |
| Permissions | 14 | 260 | Lab 3 · Lectures 3, 5-6 |
| I/O & Pipelines | 13 | 175 | Lab 4 · Lectures 3, 6, 8 |
| Environment & Patterns | 16 | 250 | Lab 4 · Lectures 7-8 |
| SSH: Hands-On Practice | 21 | 565 | Labs 1-4 applied on live server |
| BONUS: Lecture Recall | 18 | 515 | Stretch - lecture-only, locked until you solve one from each main category |
| Total | 114 | 2,245 |
The challenge SSH server was recently rebuilt with a new host key. If you connected during the practice CTF, your machine remembers the old key and will refuse to connect. Run this command first, then try again:
Then reconnect with your SSH command. You'll be prompted to accept the new key - type yes.
A guided technical puzzle. In this class, it means using Unix, terminal, and systems skills you practice in labs to find and submit answers.
Apply course concepts in a concrete, active way. They are meant to feel hands-on and a little playful, not intimidating.
The leaderboard is anonymous. Use your course handle instead of your real name so the scoreboard stays FERPA-safe.
Use the GitHub account from the start of the course.
Read the prompt. Some are direct answers, some require terminal work.
Submit the answer — often FLAG{...} or a plain value.
Wrong answers cost nothing. Experiment freely.
Grading: each CTF is worth 1 Canvas point. Earn 70%+ of the CTFd points for full credit. Below 70% = no credit. No partial credit.
Sign in with the GitHub account you created for this course. That identity link is how CTF scores map back to Canvas.
Do not share flags or screenshots during a live event. Use your own handle. Academic honesty applies here.
Canvas is the source of truth for grading and event names: Week 1 CTF, Week 2 CTF, etc.
Brand new to this? Start with Getting Started for a step-by-step walkthrough of flags and submissions.