Briefing
Greetings, Special Agent.
This is a mission vital to national and international security. Recent intelligence has uncovered that North Korea has launched a new type of reconnaissance satellite, capable of advanced surveillance and potentially equipped with offensive capabilities. Your mission is to decipher the intercepted communications from this satellite to prevent a possible threat.
Intelligence reports indicate that the satellite is set to scan and potentially target three specific buildings across the globe. These locations are believed to hold significant strategic value, and their security is paramount. Your first task will be to collaborate with our cyber operations team to decipher North Koreas encrypted transmissions. Furthermore, you will coordinate with the Tiberian Order to ensure the protection of the buildings once identified. Each location will require a tailored approach, considering both the physical and cyber defenses in place.
Your expertise in strategic infiltration and countermeasures will be crucial in thwarting any offensive actions taken by North Korea. This mission demands a combination of stealth, precision, and rapid decision-making under pressure. Success will not only neutralize a potential threat but also provide us with valuable intelligence on North Korean satellite capabilities.
As always, Special Agent, the contract is yours, if you choose to accept.
Materials
Answer Instruction
Use the answer to unlock the flagfile, this will reward you with your badge.
Submit your findings in the following format in English:
location-one-location-two-location-three-transmission-signature
Answer Example:
northwest-tech-hub-city-hall-blue-tower-m1548
Flagfile
Be advised, the flagfile is an encrypted ZIP. Make sure your OS supports the ZIP format. Ensure the password contains no hidden characters or formatting, paste in Notepad first if the password doesn’t seem to work.
PS: Don’t forget to claim your Coins and XP, by posting your card in the #card-brag channel in Discord.
Official Write-up
Provided here is the official write-up, it does contain the answer. Use this if you’re stuck, or want to verify if you got the answer correct.
⚠️ SPOILER: Official Write-up
Red Star Recon
This contract involves intercepting and deciphering communications from a new North Korean reconnaissance satellite that is believed to be targeting three specific buildings of strategic value around the world. The player’s mission is to analyze the collected intelligence to identify the three target locations and coordinate with the Tiberian Order to ensure their protection.
Challenge Objectives
- Analyze the provided PCAP file to extract encrypted communications
- Decode the encrypted data to reveal the three target locations
- Identify the appropriate protection measures for each location
- Submit the final answer in the specified format
Solution Steps
Step 1: Analyze the PCAP File
The first step is to analyze the provided PCAP network capture file, named “Korean.pcapng”. By filtering the packets for ICMP protocol, the player should be able to find an encoded message that appears to be in the Korean language.
Step 2: Decode the Encrypted Data
Using tools like CyberChef, the player can attempt to decode the encrypted message. After translating the Korean text, the message reveals that the reconnaissance satellite is targeting three specific locations:
- Southeast Financial Center, Miami
- National Congress, Brasilia
- Casa Rosada (Pink House), Buenos Aires
Step 3: Coordinate Protection Measures
With the target locations identified, the player must now coordinate with the Tiberian Order to ensure the appropriate protection measures are in place at each site. This may involve physical security, cyber defenses, or a combination of both.
Step 4: Submit the Final Answer
The final answer must be submitted in the following format:
southeast-financial-center-national-congress-pink-house-g0032This includes the three location names, followed by the “transmission signature” extracted from the decoded message, which is “g0032”.
Additional Context
The briefing provides the overall context for the contract, explaining the threat posed by the North Korean reconnaissance satellite and the importance of protecting the targeted buildings.
The player is tasked with not only identifying the target locations but also coordinating the appropriate security measures in collaboration with the Tiberian Order.
Tips for Players
- Carefully analyze the PCAP file for any encoded or encrypted data
- Use appropriate tools and techniques to decode the message
- Ensure the final answer is formatted exactly as specified
- Be prepared for potential additional challenges or layers within the full contract
Creator(s): Vance Poitier, Joaquin Iglesias