SANS Institute & Counter Hack - Holiday Hack Challenge 2023
Information Security - Practical Skills and Awareness
This year's SANS Holiday Hack Challenge featured a series of offensive and defensive capture-the-flag exercises ranging from some relatively simple JavaScript and Browser manipulation to a full-blown Azure cloud infiltration via a complex Azure API-based enumeration and manipulation of certificate weaknesses. Oh and a satellite control system to hack and save the planet. Over 15,000 people signed up this time with the competition phase ending on 5th January 2024. SANS kindly maintains the CTF environments for a year or two after the event, so it's not too late to go and take a look.
Mike had a busy Christmas entertaining the masses at home this year, but managed to complete 19 out of 22 challenges by deadline. Naturally he finished the remainder and published his customary solution write-up in the following weeks. The wrap-up session held on 18th January identified 281 completed the full set by deadline, with around 350 making it to 19/22. You can find details of the best solution write-ups and competition winners on the SANS Website. Mike's write up for this and previous competitions is also available to review.