What is a CTF (Capture the Flag)?
CTFs are security competitions where you solve challenges and capture flags (strings like SP{...}).
They cover web, crypto, binary, forensics, and networking. SuperiorCTF provides safe, sandboxed environments
to learn and practice.
Before you begin — prerequisites
You'll need: a desktop/laptop with virtualization support (Intel VT-x/AMD-V), 20 GB free disk, 4+ GB RAM (8 GB recommended), and internet. Basic Linux knowledge helps.
Choosing your environment
You can either run Kali Linux inside a Virtual Machine (VirtualBox/VMware) or from a Live USB. VM is recommended for beginners because it's safe and easy to reset.
Install Kali Linux in a VM
- Download Kali ISO from https://www.kali.org/get-kali/
- Install VirtualBox or VMware Player
- Create a new VM: Linux → Debian (64-bit), 2+ CPUs, 4+ GB RAM, 20 GB disk
- Boot the VM with Kali ISO and follow installer prompts
- Take a snapshot once installation is complete
Install essential tools
Update your system and install basics like nmap, gobuster, nikto, sqlmap, john, metasploit-framework, curl, wget, git. These tools will be used in most CTFs.
Connect to SuperiorCTF lab (WireGuard)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install wireguard -y sudo cp downloaded.conf /etc/wireguard/ sudo wg-quick up downloaded.conf
On Windows/macOS, use the WireGuard client app and import the .conf file.
Approach checklist for your first machine
- Information gathering — ping, nmap scan, enumerate ports/services
- Enumerate — look for web directories, interesting files
- Exploit — safely prove a vulnerability
- Privilege escalation — check sudo, SUID, cronjobs
- Capture the flag — submit
SP{...}in the platform UI