Community Byte: HackThisSite, Realistic 5 - Real Hacking Simulations

Eventually, we plan on doing some root the box competitions here at Null Byte, but we're still looking for a server to play on. Anyone want to donate one? You won't regret it. Root the box is like 'king of the hill', except you have to hack a server and maintain access. Each server will have numerous known security holes, but until then, let's get back to the regular weekly coding sessions and realistic hacking missions on HackThisSite.

The realistic missions are where the learning gets intense and where we can apply real knowledge to extremely realistic situations. We will also be continuing the normal Python coding and hacking sessions. These sessions are created to bring our community together, to learn from each other, and grow together. Everyone is welcome, from novice programmers to aspiring hackers.

HackThisSite is a free, legal, and safe practice ground for aspiring hackers wanting to test their knowledge on something real. We have full permission to exploit their servers, and we even get point rewards for it. 

Python is an easy-to-learn and fun programming language. It was made with readability and simplicity in mind. This keeps things speedy and simple, which helps novice programmers grasp the concepts and ideas pertaining to programming more easily.

In this week's hacking mission, we continue our journey into the dark abyss of web exploitation. These are entirely real scenarios that we will be faced with, which require real exploits and real skills. The stuff you learn here is what you would actually use against a web server you were pen-testing on.

Our Job

This time, telemarketers are invading people's privacy! Get root on the site and delete the contact database in order to return the right of privacy to its victims.

Prerequisites

• IRC client, like XChat
• Account on HackThisSite
• Gobby, a collaborative code editor (programmers)
• Friendly disposition toward other coders and community members
• Firefox or Chromium

How Does This Work?

If you're new to IRC, go here to learn how to set it up and use it. I will walk everyone through the mission and give you all of the resources and hints you need to solve it via chat. If none of our users are able to solve the mission, I will walk you through how to complete it and make sure that you learn why the exploit works.

Sol Gates is in charge of community coding (Mondays and Wednesdays), and I am in charge of HTS missions (Fridays).

When Does It Start?

Programming

Every Monday and Wednesday at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST).

HackThisSite Missions

Every Friday at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST).

PLEASE, arrive on time. You will be left out if you do not arrive on time. If you need to convert the time to another time zone, go to the Time Zone Converter.

Project Goals

Here are some of my hopes for the community for this week's projects:

• Get more users to ask friends to join and idle in IRC.
• Get more people to learn how to program.
• Learn how to apply realistic hacking techniques.
• Teach people problem solving techniques to apply in real-life situations.

Be a Part of Null Byte!

• Post to the forum
• Chat on IRC
• Follow on Twitter
• Circle on Google+

Photo by vator