Bandit · Level 10

Decode Base64 Data

Decode a Base64-encoded file to retrieve the password for the next level.

Goal

Level Goal

The password for the next level is stored in data.txt, which contains Base64-encoded data. You must decode it to retrieve the password.

Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Exit Level 9 and SSH into Level 10

After obtaining the Level 10 password from data.txt in Level 9, exit the current session: 

exit

Then connect as bandit10 using the password acquired: 

ssh bandit10@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220

2. List the Home Directory

Once logged in as bandit10, run: 

ls

You will see data.txt listed.

3. Inspect data.txt

To view its contents: 

cat data.txt

The file contains Base64-encoded text. The instructions indicate you must decode it to retrieve the password.

4. Decode the Base64 Data

To decode the Base64-encoded data and display the password: 

base64 -d data.txt

Since data.txt is encoded in Base64, running base64 -d data.txt decodes its content and reveals the password.

Summary

Key Commands

  • exit — return to your local machine from Level 9.
  • ssh bandit10@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220 — connect as bandit10.
  • ls — list files; shows data.txt.
  • cat data.txt — view the Base64-encoded contents.
  • base64 -d data.txt — decode the file and display the password.