Made a CTF from a server I actually had in production — 10 routes, AI coach optional
So I had this server that had been running in production for a while. Config debt everywhere — hardcoded creds, exposed backup files, misconfigured services, the usual sins. Instead of just wiping it, I turned it into a CTF.
10 attack routes from beginner to advanced. Each one gets you user.txt and root.txt. The idea is you play through all 10, taking a different path each time, and after every exploit you switch hats and fix the hole as a sysadmin.
There's also an optional AI trainer mode (uses Claude Code) that guides complete beginners through the basics — what nmap does, how to read output, what to try next. But if you don't need hand-holding, the VM stands on its own.
VirtualBox OVA, DHCP, no setup headaches.
First time making a CTF. Would love to hear what you think.