When you're stuck

  1. 1
    Re-read the level README.

    The brief almost always names the technique and where the secret lives. Most walls come from skimming it.

  2. 2
    Learn the tool, not the answer.

    Don't know a command? man <command> or a search engine will get you further than a hint. The skill is the point.

  3. 3
    Ask in the open — no spoilers.

    Still stuck, post in #help-forum on Discord. Follow the rules: never share flags, passwords, or solutions — the rooms are mirrored and spoiler tags don't survive.

How flags work

BreachLab uses the chain-password model. The flag you submit for level N is the same password you used to SSH into level N+1. Solve the level, recover the secret — almost always a file on the box — then paste it on /submit for points.

The final level of each track ends in a one-off graduation token instead of a chain password. It is the flag for that last level and has no next-level SSH login — you will know it when you reach it.

Flags are case-sensitive. Surrounding whitespace is trimmed — copy them verbatim.

First blood

The first operative to submit a correct flag for a level takes a bonus on top of the base points (usually +50). After that the slot is claimed for good — everyone else earns base points only.

Every level shows who holds first blood on its track page. A red FIRST BLOOD AVAILABLE marker means it is still up for grabs.

Connect & ports

Connect with the level's user and port. The password is the flag from the previous level.

ssh <user>@204.168.229.209 -p <port>
GhostTrack 1 · foundation · one shared persistent box
LevelPortNotes
L0 – L212222single box, all foundation levels
L22graduation — gatekeeper, no SSH login
PhantomTrack 2 · post-exploitation · main box + ephemeral side-rooms
LevelPortNotes
main2223L0–8, L10–12, L16–29, L31 graduation
L92228ephemeral — Stack Day (optional)
L132224ephemeral — Deep Roots
L142225ephemeral — Shadow Mode
L152226ephemeral — Clean Slate
L302227ephemeral — Clean Exit
Specter ITrack 3 · OSINT · every level is its own ephemeral box
LevelPortNotes
L02230paper-trail
L12231search-operator
L22232code-hunter
L32233js-recon
L42234people-recon
L52235sock-puppet
L62236image-geo
L72237reverse-image
L82238travel-pattern
L92239corporate-intel
L102240dark-web
L112241telegram-intel
L122242adversarial-counter-intel
L132243berkeley-protocol — finale
Specter IIInternal network & Active Directory · every level its own ephemeral box
LevelPortNotes
L02244Read the Wire · open entry (password specter0)
L12245Become the Answer
L22246Ghost on the Wire
L32247Become the Domain Controller
L42248Crack the WiFi
L52249Become the AP the Victim Trusts
L62250Break Client Isolation
L72251Two Heads, One Gap
Host key changed warning?Ephemeral boxes rotate, so SSH may warn the fingerprint changed. Clear the stale keys for every port in one go:
for p in 2222 2223 2224 2225 2226 2227 2228 2230 2231 2232 2233 2234 2235 2236 2237 2238 2239 2240 2241 2242 2243 2244 2245 2246 2247 2248 2249 2250 2251; do ssh-keygen -R "[204.168.229.209]:$p"; done

Discord

The fastest way to get unstuck and meet other operatives: https://discord.gg/xqTbW6juXt

#help-forumstuck on a level? ask here
#bugsreport platform issues
#feedbacksuggestions and ideas
#victoriesshare your wins
#generalgeneral talk
#learning-resourcesguides & references
Support the projectBreachLab is free. If it is worth something to you, donating keeps the servers running and new tracks coming.