Hello Folks,
In this blog, we will cover the concepts as well as the answers for the “CyberChef: The Basics” room which is a part of the “Cyber Security 101” learning path. This room provides an overview of a very important web service called CyberChef used for performing cryptographic operations. After completing this room, you will find yourself comfortable with Encryption, Hashing and Encoding.
You can access the room here.
Task 1 Introduction
CyberChef is a versatile, web-based tool for handling various cyber operations, from simple encodings like Base64 to complex encryptions like AES. It operates through “recipes,” or sequences of tasks applied to data. Key learning includes navigating its interface, understanding operations, and creating data-processing recipes.
Proceed with the next tasks to learn more!
No answer required
Task 2 Accessing the Tool
This task will help us access the CyberChef tool. There are two methods: first, accessing it via a web browser, and second, downloading the stable release, which works on both Linux and Windows Operating Systems.
I have access to CyberChef and I’m ready to dive into it.
No answer required
Task 3 Navigating the Interface
This task will guide us about the interface of CyberChef which has four main sections: Operations, Recipe, Input, and Output. The Operations area offers a wide range of categorized functions, the Recipe area lets users arrange and manage operations, the Input area is for entering data, and the Output area displays processed results with options to save or copy.
Q 3.1- In which area can you find “From Base64”?
A 3.1- Operations
Q 3.2- Which area is considered the heart of the tool?
A 3.2- Recipe
Task 4 Before Anything Else
Using CyberChef involves a four-step process: define a clear objective, input your data, choose relevant operations (like encryption/encoding methods), and review the output to ensure the goal is achieved. If the result isn’t as expected, refine and repeat the steps.
Q 4.1- At which step would you determine, “What do I want to accomplish?
A 4.1- 1
Task 5 Practice, Practice, Practice
This task explores CyberChef’s main operation categories—Extractors, Date/Time, and Data Format. It covers extracting data (like IP addresses, URLs, emails), converting timestamps, and encoding formats (e.g., Base64). A practical exercise lets users apply these operations by analyzing task files.
Q 5.1- What is the hidden email address?
A 5.1- hidden@hotmail.com
Q 5.2- What is the hidden IP address that ends in .232?
A 5.2- 102.20.11.232
Q 5.3- Which domain address starts with the letter “T”?
A 5.3- TryHackMe.com
Q 5.4- What is the binary value of the decimal number 78?
A 5.4- 01001110
Q 5.5- What is the URL encoded value of https://tryhackme.com/r/careers?
A 5.5- https://tryhackme.com/r/careers
Task 6 Your First Official Cook
In this task, we have to practically apply whatever we have learned in this room to get a deeper understanding of all the concepts.
Q 6.1- Using the file you downloaded in Task 5, which IP starts and ends with “10”?
A 6.1- 10.10.2.101
Q 6.2- What is the base64 encoded value of the string “Nice Room!”?
A 6.2- TmljZSBSb29tIQ==
Q 6.3- What is the URL decoded value for https%3A%2F%2Ftryhackme%2Ecom%2Fr%2Froom%2Fcyberchefbasics?
A 6.3- https://tryhackme.com/r/room/cyberchefbasics
Q 6.4- What is the datetime string for the Unix timestamp 1725151258?
A 6.4- Sun 1 September 2024 00:40:58 UTC
Q 6.5- What is the Base85 decoded string of the value <+oue+DGm>Ap%u7?
A 6.5- This is fun!
Task 7 Conclusion
I will have CyberChef, the Swiss Army knife of cyber security, ready for my upcoming journeys!
No answer required
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Happy Pentesting!!!
Team CyberiumX