c4ptur3-th3-fl4g

The c4ptur3-th3-fl4g challenge is a hands-on exercise designed to sharpen your skills in decoding and interpreting hidden data using various encoding and obfuscation methods frequently encountered in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions. From leetspeak and Base64 to spectrograms, steganography, and obscure binary-to-ROT cipher chains, this task offers a comprehensive exposure to multiple layers of data transformation. By using tools like CyberChef, dCode.fr, and basic Linux commands, participants learn to unravel complex encoding techniques and extract hidden messages buried within text, images, and even audio files.

Translation & Shifting

Translate, shift, and decode the following;

Answers are all case sensitive.

Answer the questions below

1. c4n y0u c4p7u23 7h3 f149? can you capture the flag?

   Leet Speak - decoded using CyberChef

   

2. 01101100 01100101 01110100 01110011 00100000 01110100 01110010 01111001 00100000 01110011 01101111 01101101 01100101 00100000 01100010 01101001 01101110 01100001 01110010 01111001 00100000 01101111 01110101 01110100 00100001 lets try some binary out!

   Binary - decoded using Cyberchef

   

3. MJQXGZJTGIQGS4ZAON2XAZLSEBRW63LNN5XCA2LOEBBVIRRHOM====== base32 is super common in CTF's

   Base32 - decode using Cyberchef

   

4. RWFjaCBCYXNlNjQgZGlnaXQgcmVwcmVzZW50cyBleGFjdGx5IDYgYml0cyBvZiBkYXRhLg== Each Base64 digit represents exactly 6 bits of data.

   Base64 - decode using Base64Decode

   

5. 68 65 78 61 64 65 63 69 6d 61 6c 20 6f 72 20 62 61 73 65 31 36 3f hexadecimal or base16?

   Hex - decode using CyberChef

   

6. Ebgngr zr 13 cynprf! Rotate me 13 places!

   ROT13 - decode using CyberChef

   

7. *@F DA:? >6 C:89E C@F?5 323J C:89E C@F?5 Wcf E:>6DX You spin me right round baby right round (47 times)

   ROT47 - decode using CyberChef

   

8. - . .-.. . -.-. --- -- -- ..- -. .. -.-. .- - .. --- -.

. -. -.-. --- -.. .. -. --. telecommunication encoding

Morse Code - decode using CyberChef

9. 85 110 112 97 99 107 32 116 104 105 115 32 66 67 68 Unpack this BCD

   Decimal - decode using CyberChef

   

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   

    Let's make this a bit trickier...

Decode from Base64 to Morse Code to Binary to ROT47 to Decimal using CyberChef

Spectrograms

A spectrogram is a visual representation of the spectrum of frequencies of a signal as it varies with time. When applied to an audio signal, spectrograms are sometimes called sonographs, voiceprints, or voicegrams. When the data is represented in a 3D plot they may be called waterfalls.

Answer the questions below

1. Download the file. Hint: Audacity Super Secret Message

   Using dCode.fr to decode the .wav file. Download the file, then upload to the site, you can increase the scrolling speed in order to read the message. Read more on Spectrogram Analysis.

Steganography

Steganography is the practice of concealing a file, message, image, or video within another file, message, image, or video.

Answer the questions below

1. Decode the image to reveal the answer. SpaghettiSteg

   Using futureboy.us/stegano, you can upload the image and decode

   

Security through obscurity

Security through obscurity is the reliance in security engineering on the secrecy of the design or implementation as the main method of providing security for a system or component of a system.

Answer the questions below

Download the image, then use this command:

strings imagename This will reveal the answers for questions 1 & 2

1. Download and get 'inside' the file. What is the first filename & extension? hackerchat.png

   

2. Get inside the archive and inspect the file carefully. Find the hidden text. AHH_YOU_FOUND_ME!

This challenge highlights the importance of understanding common encoding schemes, cipher rotations, and digital hiding techniques that are often used in both CTFs and real-world cybersecurity contexts. We decoded a variety of formats, including leetspeak, binary, hex, Base32, Base64, ROT13/47, Morse code, and steganographic content using an array of online tools and decoding logic. In doing so, we gained practical experience in dissecting multiple layers of data obfuscation. Ultimately, "Translation & Shifting" reinforces the value of methodical analysis and a strong toolkit for anyone interested in threat intelligence, cryptography, or ethical hacking.