Solution Steps

1. Understanding the Challenge

The challenge presents a QR code image. The goal is to scan the QR code and decode its content to find the hidden flag.

2. Scanning the QR Code

The first step is to scan the QR code to extract its data. This can be done using various methods:

• Using a mobile phone's built-in camera app (most modern phones can scan QR codes directly).
• Using dedicated QR code scanning apps like "QR Scanner" or "QR Code Reader".
• Using command-line tools like zbarimg qr_challenge.png (requires installing zbar-tools).
• Using online tools like CyberChef which has a QR code decoder.

Scanning the QR code will reveal a long string of hexadecimal characters:

63653232323863342d663934662d343062302d623438392d653533626530313562336334

3. Decoding the Hex String

The extracted string is not the flag itself, but a hex-encoded representation of the flag. The next step is to decode this hex string back into readable text (ASCII).

Method 1: Using CyberChef

1. Go to CyberChef.
2. Paste the hex string into the 'Input' box.
3. Drag the 'From Hex' operation into the 'Recipe' column.
4. The decoded flag will appear in the 'Output' box.

Method 2: Using Python

You can use a simple Python script to decode the string:

hex_string = "63653232323863342d663934662d343062302d623438392d653533626530313562336334"
flag = bytes.fromhex(hex_string).decode('utf-8')
print(f"The flag is: {flag}")

Method 3: Using Command Line

On a Linux or macOS system, you can use the command line:

echo "63653232323863342d663934662d343062302d623438392d653533626530313562336334" | xxd -r -p

4. The Flag

After decoding the hex string, you will get the final flag:

ce2228c4-f94f-40b0-b489-e53be015b3c4

5. Learning Points

• Challenges often involve multiple layers of encoding.
• A QR code is a common way to deliver an initial payload or clue.
• Recognizing data formats (like hexadecimal) is a key skill.
• There are many tools available for decoding data, from web-based GUIs to command-line utilities.