🛠 CTF Tools & Setup

Please set these up before the event so you can focus on solving challenges, not installing tools.

🔮 CyberChef Web-based · No install
Open ▾

Swiss Army Knife for CTFs: encoding/decoding, hashing, simple crypto, file magic, data conversions.

Link: https://gchq.github.io/CyberChef/

  • No installation required — runs in your browser ✅
  • Good starting recipes: From Base64, From Hex, ROT13, and Magic.
  • You can drag & drop text files or binaries directly into CyberChef.

Used to open and analyze .pcap files, follow TCP streams, and inspect protocols.

Download: https://www.wireshark.org/download.html

WindowsmacOSLinux

Windows:

  • Download the latest .exe installer from the Wireshark website.
  • Run the installer and accept default options.
  • Allow installation of Npcap when prompted (needed for packet capture).

macOS:

  • Download the latest .dmg installer.
  • Drag Wireshark into Applications.
  • If blocked, allow it under System Settings → Privacy & Security.

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu-based):

sudo apt update
sudo apt install wireshark

When asked about non-root packet capture, choose Yes and add your user to the wireshark group.

Quick test: open Wireshark. If the main window loads and menus appear normally, you're set.

Used to crack password hashes with wordlists and rules (often used in crypto, forensics, and misc challenges).

Website: https://www.openwall.com/john/

WindowsmacOSLinux

Windows (community build):

  • From the John site, follow the link to the community builds for Windows.
  • Download the latest .zip build.
  • Extract to a folder, for example: C:\john.
  • Open Command Prompt and run:
cd C:\john\run
john --help

macOS (Homebrew):

brew install john
john --help

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu-based):

sudo apt update
sudo apt install john
john --help

Basic usage pattern:

john <hash_file> --wordlist=<path_to_wordlist.txt>

Example: cracking hashes stored in hashes.txt with a wordlist rockyou.txt.

✅ Pre-Event Checklist

  • Wireshark opens without errors.
  • john --help runs successfully in your terminal / command prompt.
  • CyberChef is bookmarked in your browser.

If you run into any issues installing these tools, please ask for help in the event Discord — we’ll have people available to assist with setup.