Level 1: Read File Named “–”

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Level Goal

The password for the next level is stored in a file called - located in your home directory.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Exit Level 0 and SSH into Level 1

After retrieving the Level 1 password from readme, exit the current SSH session: 

exit

Then connect as bandit1: 

ssh bandit1@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220

Enter the Level 1 password when prompted.

2. Change Directory and List Files

Once logged in as bandit1, list files: 

ls

You will see a file named -. Because - is interpreted as an option, the command cat - fails: 

cat -

That returns you to the shell prompt, because - is treated as stdin, not a filename.

3. Read the File Named “–”

To force cat to treat - as a filename, prefix it with ./: 

cat ./-

This displays the Level 2 password.

Summary & Key Commands

  • exit : leave the SSH session (Level 0).
  • ssh bandit1@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220 : to connect to Level 1.
  • ls : list files; you'll see -.
  • cat ./- - read the contents of the file named “–” to get the Level 2 password.