How to Create a Downloadable File Challenge

Downloadable file challenges are ideal for tasks like forensics, steganography, reverse engineering, and more. Participants will download a file to analyze and solve the challenge. Here’s how to create one using the Simulations Labs platform.

Steps to Create a Downloadable File Challenge

1. Go to the Challenges Tab

From your dashboard, go to the Challenges tab in the sidebar.
 Click the “Create New Challenge” button.

2. Select Challenge Type and Upload File

In the creation form:

• Choose “Downloadable File” as the Challenge Type.

Option 1:

• Upload the file participants will need to download and analyze.
  Supported formats include .zip, .pcap, .jpg, .exe, .txt, and more.

Option 2:

• Insert the link of the file.

3. Fill in the Challenge Details

Complete the following fields:

• Name
  
  

• Category
  
  

• Tags
   Select from the dropdown the relevant keywords like pcap, malware, strings.
  
  

• Level
   Select difficulty: Basic, Easy, Medium, Hard or Advanced.
  
  

• Duration (Optional)
   Suggested time to solve (in minutes).
  
  

• Points
   Set the challenge's score.
   Example: 200
  
  

• Solution
   Enter the correct flag or answer.
   Example: flag{dns_tunnel_detected}
  
  

• Description
   Write the challenge prompt and any necessary context.
   Example:
   We captured suspicious traffic from an internal network. Download the PCAP file and determine the domain used for data exfiltration.
  
  
  

4. Save and Preview

Once all details are entered:

• Click “Save” to store the challenge.
  
  

• You can go to the Preview tab to see how the challenge will appear to participants before assigning it to a CTF.