Documentation
Getting Started Learning Paths CTF Challenges CMD Reference PowerShell Reference Flag Finding Methodology Best Practices Troubleshooting

Getting Started

Welcome to CMD & PowerShell CTF Trainer

This platform is designed to help you master Windows command-line tools through interactive Capture the Flag challenges. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, you'll find valuable learning resources here.

Account Setup

Create your account to track progress, earn achievements, and compete on the leaderboard.

Skill Assessment

Take the initial assessment to get personalized learning recommendations.

Quick Start Tip

If you're new to command-line tools, start with the "Beginner Path" in Learning Paths. If you have experience, take the skill assessment to find the right starting point.

Learning Paths

Our learning paths provide structured progression through command-line skills:

Beginner Path
  • Basic navigation commands
  • File operations
  • Simple system information
  • Easy CTF challenges

Duration: 2-3 hours

Intermediate Path
  • Advanced file operations
  • System administration
  • Network commands
  • Medium CTF challenges

Duration: 4-6 hours

Advanced Path
  • PowerShell scripting
  • Advanced CMD techniques
  • Security-focused commands
  • Hard CTF challenges

Duration: 6-8 hours

Progression Tips
  • Complete each step before moving to the next
  • Practice commands in the interactive console
  • Apply learned skills in CTF challenges immediately
  • Review cheat sheets for quick reference

CTF Challenges

Capture the Flag challenges simulate real-world scenarios where you need to find hidden flags using command-line tools.

Challenge Difficulty Levels
Difficulty Description Points Skills Required
Easy Basic commands, straightforward flags 100 XP Beginner level commands
Medium Multiple steps, some investigation needed 200 XP Intermediate commands
Hard Complex scenarios, advanced techniques 300 XP Advanced commands and scripting
Flag Format

All flags follow the format: flag{text_here}. Flags are case-sensitive and must be submitted exactly as found.

CMD Command Reference

Windows Command Prompt (CMD) is the traditional command-line interface for Windows systems.

Essential CMD Commands
Command Description Common Usage
dir List directory contents dir /a (show hidden files)
cd Change directory cd C:\Users
findstr Search for text in files findstr "flag{" *.*
systeminfo Display system information systeminfo | find "OS Name"
ipconfig Network configuration ipconfig /all
netstat Network statistics netstat -ano
CMD Tips
  • Use command /? for help on any command
  • Press Tab for auto-completion of file/directory names
  • Use ↑ and ↓ arrows to navigate command history
  • Pipe commands with | to filter output

PowerShell Reference

PowerShell is a more powerful, object-oriented command-line shell and scripting language.

Essential PowerShell Cmdlets
Cmdlet Description Common Usage
Get-ChildItem List directory contents Get-ChildItem -Force
Set-Location Change directory Set-Location C:\Users
Select-String Search for text in files Select-String "flag{" *.*
Get-ComputerInfo System information Get-ComputerInfo
Get-NetIPConfiguration Network configuration Get-NetIPConfiguration
Get-Process Running processes Get-Process | Where Name
PowerShell Tips
  • Use Get-Help command for detailed help
  • Pipe objects between commands with |
  • Use Get-Command to discover available commands
  • Tab completion works for commands, parameters, and file paths

Flag Finding Methodology

Systematic approach to finding flags in CTF challenges:

1
Initial Reconnaissance

Start with directory listing and basic system information gathering.

CMD: dir /a, systeminfo
PowerShell: Get-ChildItem -Force, Get-ComputerInfo
2
File System Exploration

Search for files containing flag patterns and examine file contents.

CMD: findstr /s "flag{" *.*
PowerShell: Get-ChildItem -Recurse | Select-String "flag{"
3
System Configuration

Check environment variables, registry, and system configuration.

CMD: set, reg query
PowerShell: Get-ChildItem Env:, Get-ItemProperty
4
Network Information

Examine network configuration and active connections.

CMD: ipconfig /all, netstat -ano
PowerShell: Get-NetIPConfiguration, Get-NetTCPConnection
5
Process Analysis

Investigate running processes and services.

CMD: tasklist, wmic process
PowerShell: Get-Process, Get-Service
6
Advanced Search

Use advanced techniques for hidden or encoded flags.

CMD: findstr /i /s flag *.*
PowerShell: Get-ChildItem -Recurse -Force | Select-String flag

Best Practices

Security Practices
  • Never run unknown commands in production environments
  • Understand what a command does before executing it
  • Use the practice console for learning and experimentation
  • Be cautious with system modification commands
Learning Strategies
  • Practice regularly for 15-30 minutes daily
  • Take notes on useful commands and techniques
  • Experiment with different command options and parameters
  • Review and reinforce learned concepts
Pro Tips
  • Combine multiple commands using pipes (|)
  • Use output redirection (>) to save command results
  • Learn to read and understand command help documentation
  • Practice both CMD and PowerShell for comprehensive skills

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Solution: Check for typos in the command. Use help (CMD) or Get-Command (PowerShell) to verify command availability.

Prevention: Use tab completion to avoid spelling errors.

Solution: Run the command prompt as Administrator for system-level operations.

Note: In our practice environment, all commands are simulated and safe.

Solution: Follow the step-by-step methodology. Use hints provided in challenges.

Tips: Look for hidden files, check all directories, and search for flag patterns.

Solution: Ensure you're logged in and have a stable internet connection.

Check: Refresh the page and check if your progress appears in the dashboard.

Getting Help

If you encounter issues not covered here, check the FAQ page or use the contact form to get support from our team.