Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Bypassing Security: Cracking a VM's Update Mechanism for Easy Flags

2025-06-15

A student discovered that update files (*.gpg) in a security course's virtual machine contained tokens for submitting assignments. Analyzing the update program `installUpdate`, they found it used GPG decryption relying on `/root/.vmPassphrase` and `/root/.gnupg`. By mounting the VM's disk, the student obtained these files, decrypted the updates, extracted the tokens, and completed the assignments early. The updates contained Java code generating AES-encrypted tokens. The author notes this attack depended on full access to the VM's disk and suggests using remote VMs as an improvement. Despite the early completion, the author stresses the importance of the learning process and completing the coursework.

The Secret of Global Package Tracking Numbers: Unveiling the S10 Standard

2025-06-14

Ever wondered how international package tracking numbers work? This article unveils the S10 standard, a 13-character code developed by the Universal Postal Union (UPU). This standard includes service indicators, serial numbers, check digits, and country codes. It also specifies barcode formats and font requirements. The S10 standard ensures interoperability across global postal systems and provides reliable package tracking.

Broken CD Rip: A MusicBrainz Metadata Nightmare

2025-06-12

The author ripped a CD of Finish Ticket's 'Echo Afternoon', only to find discrepancies: a misspelled track name, an incorrectly timed track, and a missing song. The culprit? Inaccurate metadata in the MusicBrainz database. CD ripping software uses the disc's Table of Contents (TOC) to match and retrieve metadata from MusicBrainz. Errors in the database, including merged tracks and incorrect titles, led to the flawed rip. The author corrected the MusicBrainz database entries and updated their music library, highlighting the double-edged sword of editable databases and the crucial role of data quality.