CTF Handbook

Misc Basics ​

Misc is the most flexible CTF category. It covers encoding, steganography, traffic analysis, interactive games and more.

In progress

This category is being written. Planned topics:

  • Common encodings and nested encoding chains
  • Image, audio and file-format steganography
  • Archive passwords and fake encryption
  • Packet capture analysis
  • QR codes, barcodes and image processing
  • Automation scripts for repetitive tasks
  • Forensics-style combined challenges

Study tips ​

  1. Learn CyberChef, 010 Editor, binwalk and zsteg.
  2. Inspect file headers and structure before guessing.
  3. Be patient: misc challenges often require combining several ideas.