Enumeration on Adamino CTF Writeups

Pretty Hostnames with /etc/hosts

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 20:22:53 +0100

When attacking or enumerating a target, typing raw IPs everywhere is clunky and error-prone. A simple, built-in trick is to use /etc/hosts to map an IP address to a friendly hostname so your tools, browser, and shell can use a memorable name.

Example mapping:

10.82.186.54 cybershield.nc3

This lets you visit http://cybershield.nc3 in your browser, curl cybershield.nc3, and point tools at the hostname instead of the IP.

What /etc/hosts Does

Local override: Maps hostnames to IPs before DNS is queried.
Zero dependencies: No DNS server required; works offline.
System-wide: Applies to all applications on the machine.

How to Add an Entry (macOS/Linux)

Netcat

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:12:28 +0100

Unleashing Netcat’s Potential in Capture The Flag (CTF) Challenges

Netcat, often referred to as the “Swiss army knife” of networking, is a versatile utility that reads and writes data across network connections using the TCP/IP protocol. Its flexibility and ease of use make it an invaluable tool in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, where participants seek to exploit vulnerabilities and capture hidden flags. Let’s delve into the myriad ways Netcat can be utilized in CTF scenarios.

Nmap

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 23:56:53 +0100

Mastering Nmap: A Comprehensive Guide to Network Exploration and Security Auditing

Nmap, short for Network Mapper, is an indispensable tool in the arsenal of every network administrator, cybersecurity professional, and ethical hacker. This open-source utility is designed for network exploration and security auditing. It uses raw IP packets to determine available hosts on a network, the services those hosts are offering, the operating systems they are running, and a plethora of other characteristics. This guide will walk you through the essentials of Nmap, covering its installation, basic and advanced usage, and tips for effective network management and security auditing.