Reverse Engineering CTF
Challenges: A
Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides a structured approach to solving reverse engineering
challenges effectively. Reverse engineering (RE) is a fundamental skill in
Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, requiring players to analyze and
understand compiled programs to extract hidden information, vulnerabilities,
or flags.
BY : aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS9kUXc0dzlXZ1hjUQ==
Introduction to Reverse Engineering in CTFs
Binary Exploitation Crackmes Obfuscated Code
Analyzing compiled programs to find Programs designed to test reverse Programs intentionally designed to be
vulnerabilities. engineering skills by requiring specific difficult to understand.
inputs.
Reverse engineering challenges in CTFs often involve binary exploitation, crackmes, obfuscated code, and packers/protectors. The
primary goal is to extract a hidden flag or secret by understanding how the program works.
Setting Up the Environment
Disassemblers & Debuggers
Ghidra, IDA Free, Radare2
Hex Editors
xxd, HxD
Debuggers
GDB, WinDbg, OllyDbg
Decompilers
Hopper, RetDec
Before starting reverse engineering, ensure you have the right tools installed.
Essential tools include disassemblers, debuggers, hex editors, decompilers, and
string analysis tools. These tools help in analyzing binaries, debugging code, and
extracting useful information.
Step-by-Step Approach
Initial Analysis
Identify file type, check readable strings, and check symbols &
functions.
Static Analysis
Load into Ghidra or IDA Free, analyze function flow, and analyze
conditional branching.
Dynamic Analysis
Run the binary, debug with GDB, and set breakpoints on important
functions.
Extracting the Flag
Find XOR-encoded flags and bruteforce weak algorithms.
Common Reverse Engineering
Techniques
XOR Encryption Detection Function Hooking &
Patching
Flags are often stored as XOR-
encrypted text. Look for patterns like Patch executables to bypass
mov eax, 0x45. authentication checks. Use hexedit
to modify binary instructions.
Dynamic Instrumentation
Use Frida or PIN tools to manipulate execution in real-time.
Common reverse engineering techniques include XOR encryption detection, function
hooking and patching, and dynamic instrumentation. These techniques help in
uncovering hidden flags, bypassing security checks, and manipulating program
execution.
Practical Example: Reversing a
Simple CTF Binary
#include <stdio.h>
#include <string.h>
int main() {
char input[20];
printf("Enter the password: ");
scanf("%s", input);
if (strcmp(input, "SuperSecret123") == 0) {
printf("Correct! Flag: HKSTR{FLAG_HERE}\n");
} else {
printf("Wrong password!\n");
}
return 0;
}
Given a binary that asks for a password, use strings challenge_binary to check for
readable text. Load in Ghidra and find strcmp() calls. Modify execution in GDB to
override strcmp return value to bypass authentication.
HOW TO INSTALL AND USAGE
1.GHIDRA
Install : sudo apt install ghidra
Usage : ghidra <filename>
2.HEXEDIT
Install : sudo apt install hexedit
Usage : hexedit <filename>
Tips
1.To run a given executable you may have to change its mod. Use chmod +x <filename> for the same
2. After changing its mod , trying running it using ./<filename>. Running the file may provide some hints
