Htb Skills Assessment - Web Fuzzing -

ffuf -u http://10.10.10.10/FUZZ -w common.txt -recursion -fc 403,404

gobuster dir -u http://target.com -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt

To mitigate risks identified via web fuzzing, the report recommends:

The HTB Skills Assessment expects you to be comfortable with command-line tools. While dirb and wfuzz are classics, the modern standard is ffuf (Fuzz Faster U Fool). We will focus on ffuf due to its speed, flexibility, and MATCH/FILTER logic.

Install ffuf (if you haven't):

sudo apt install ffuf -y
# Or from source: go get github.com/ffuf/ffuf

Critical Wordlists (Seclists): HTB often provides a small wordlist, but real success requires the SecLists repository.

sudo apt install seclists -y
# Located in /usr/share/seclists/

Key lists for the assessment:

The HTB environment typically supports common Linux tools. ffuf is recommended for its speed and flexibility.

If you find admin.php, fuzz for admin.bak, admin.txt, admin.sql:

ffuf -u http://target.com/adminFUZZ -w extensions.txt

This report summarizes the methodology and findings for the Hack The Box (HTB) Academy - Web Fuzzing Skills Assessment. The assessment focuses on using ffuf (Fuzz Faster U Fool) to systematically discover hidden resources, virtual hosts, and parameters to uncover security vulnerabilities. 1. Executive Summary

The objective of this assessment was to perform a comprehensive security analysis of a target web application using automated fuzzing techniques. By moving through progressive layers of discovery—from subdomains to specific parameter values—multiple hidden endpoints were identified, eventually leading to the final flag. 2. Methodology & Tooling

The primary tool used was ffuf, supported by wordlists from the SecLists collection, specifically directory-list-2.3-small.txt, common.txt, and subdomains-top1million-5000.txt. Key ffuf Flags Reconnaissance VHost & Subdomain Fuzzing -H 'Host: FUZZ.domain.htb', -ms 0 Enumeration Directory & File Fuzzing -u http://target/FUZZ, -e .php,.txt Expansion Recursive Fuzzing -recursion, -recursion-depth 1 Exploitation Parameter & Value Fuzzing -X POST, -d 'param=FUZZ', -fs 3. Assessment Workflow & Findings Step 1: Virtual Host (VHost) Discovery

Initial testing on the base IP often returns restricted access (e.g., 403 Forbidden). VHost fuzzing was conducted to identify hidden sub-sites.

Command: ffuf -w subdomains-wordlist.txt -u http://TARGET_IP/ -H 'Host: FUZZ.academy.htb' -ms 0

Findings: Identified subdomains such as archive.academy.htb, faculty.academy.htb, and test.academy.htb. Step 2: Extension & Directory Enumeration

Before searching for pages, an extension scan determined which file types the server processes.

Key Discovery: Extensions like .php and .phps were found to be active.

Recursive Fuzzing: Using -recursion uncovered a multi-level directory structure, including /courses/linux-security.php7. Step 3: Parameter Fuzzing

On the identified admin or panel pages, fuzzing was used to find hidden GET/POST parameters. Command: ffuf -w wordlist.txt -u http://academy.htb -fs 798

Findings: Discovered the accepted parameter id and accessID. Step 4: Value Fuzzing & Flag Retrieval

The final step involved brute-forcing the specific values for identified parameters (e.g., finding the correct id number).

Action: Sent a POST request with the discovered value to retrieve the flag. Flag Format: HTB.... 4. Remediation Recommendations

To mitigate the risks identified during this assessment, the following security controls should be implemented:

The Hack The Box (HTB) Skills Assessment for Web Fuzzing is a practical capstone for the Attacking Web Applications with Ffuf module. It requires a systematic application of directory discovery, VHost identification, and parameter fuzzing to uncover hidden flags. 1. Understanding the Objective

The assessment tests your ability to use ffuf (Fuzz Faster U Fool) to map an application's hidden attack surface. Success relies on choosing the correct wordlists—typically from SecLists—and applying filters to remove "noise" like common 403 or 404 responses. 2. Core Methodology & Techniques Directory and File Discovery

Begin by identifying the base structure of the web server. Unlike standard reconnaissance, you must often use recursion to find nested directories like /admin/ and then fuzz within those for specific file types.

Command Example: ffuf -w common.txt -u http://:/FUZZ -recursion

Refinement: If you hit a 403 Forbidden on a directory, don't stop. Fuzz for extensions (e.g., .php, .php7, .html) within that directory to find accessible pages like panel.php. Virtual Host (VHost) Fuzzing

Servers often host multiple sites on one IP using Virtual Hosts. The assessment frequently requires discovering these by fuzzing the Host header.

Command: ffuf -w subdomains.txt -u http://:/ -H 'Host: FUZZ.academy.htb' -fs

Crucial Step: Once a VHost like admin.academy.htb is found, you must add it to your /etc/hosts file to interact with it through a browser or further tools. Parameter Fuzzing (GET and POST)

Once you find a hidden page, it may require specific parameters to function. You will use ffuf to discover both parameter names and their valid values.

GET Parameter Fuzzing: ffuf -w parameters.txt -u http://admin.academy.htb:/admin.php?FUZZ=key

POST Parameter Fuzzing: If GET fails, try POST by specifying the data flag: -X POST -d 'FUZZ=value'. 3. Key Assessment Tasks & Solutions HTB Academy Skills Assessment -Web Fuzzing | by Demacia

Mastering the HTB Academy Web Fuzzing Skills Assessment requires a systematic approach to uncovering hidden layers of a web application using tools like

. This assessment tests your ability to move beyond basic directory brute-forcing and into advanced techniques like virtual host (VHost) discovery and parameter fuzzing. Essential Fuzzing Methodology

A successful assessment follows a logical progression of discovery:

I’d be happy to help you with a Hack The Box (HTB) skills assessment focused on web fuzzing. However, I don’t have access to the specific live assessment or its unique flags/targets.

If you describe the type of web fuzzing involved (directory, parameter, virtual host, file extension, etc.) and share what you’ve tried so far (e.g., tools like ffuf, gobuster, wfuzz, dirb), I can:

Example helpful info I can provide (not task-specific, but generally useful for HTB web fuzzing):

If you share a snippet of the assessment’s prompt (without revealing live flags/violating HTB rules), I can guide you without giving direct answers.

Let me know where you’re stuck — response code filtering, wordlist choice, or interpreting a false positive?

The Hack The Box (HTB) Web Fuzzing Skills Assessment requires using

to uncover hidden subdomains, directory structures, and parameters to retrieve a final flag. Key steps include VHost discovery, recursive directory enumeration, and fuzzing for specific parameter values to bypass security filters. For a detailed walkthrough of the assessment, visit Demacia's blog Web Fuzzing Course - HTB Academy

The Hack The Box (HTB) Academy "Web Fuzzing" Skills Assessment is the final challenge in the Attacking Web Applications with Ffuf module. It requires applying techniques like directory discovery, subdomain fuzzing, and parameter fuzzing to find a hidden flag. Key Assessment Steps

Vhost/Subdomain Fuzzing: Identify hidden subdomains on the target IP (e.g., archive.academy.htb, test.academy.htb, faculty.academy.htb).

Tool Tip: Use ffuf with the -H "Host: FUZZ.academy.htb" header.

Directory & Extension Fuzzing: Scan the discovered subdomains for hidden directories and specific file extensions like .php, .phps, or .bak. htb skills assessment - web fuzzing

Common Find: Many users find a path such as /admin/panel.php.

Recursive Fuzzing: Use recursion (e.g., -recursion -recursion-depth 1) to dig deeper into identified folders.

Parameter & POST Fuzzing: Once a functional page is found, fuzz for accepted parameters (GET/POST) and then fuzz the values of those parameters to retrieve the flag. Common Troubleshooting Tips

Academy Skills Assessment - Web Fuzzing - Hack The Box :: Forums

To master the HTB Skills Assessment for Web Fuzzing, you need to transition from simply running tools to understanding the mechanics of discovery

. This assessment isn't just about finding a hidden directory; it’s about identifying the specific "fuzzable" points within a web application to map its entire attack surface. The Core Methodology

Web fuzzing on HTB typically involves three distinct layers: Directory and File Discovery: This is the baseline. You aren't just looking for ; you’re looking for extension-specific files (like ) that reveal source code or configuration backups. Vhost and Subdomain Brute-forcing:

Many HTB environments hide the "real" application behind a Virtual Host. If you only fuzz the IP, you might see a default Apache page. Fuzzing the header allows you to discover internal-only subdomains like dev.target.htb Parameter Fuzzing (GET/POST): Once you find a page (e.g., config.php

), it may appear blank. Fuzzing parameters allows you to find hidden inputs like ?file=../../etc/passwd that trigger different server behaviors. Essential Tooling & Tactics are classics,

(Fuzz Faster U Fool) is the gold standard for HTB due to its speed and flexible filtering. Filtering is Key:

The biggest hurdle in the assessment is noise. You must use filters ( for HTTP codes,

for response size) to weed out "False Positives." If every fake page returns a "200 OK" but has a size of 452 bytes, filtering that specific size reveals the needle in the haystack. Recursive Fuzzing: Don't stop at the first hit. If you find , you must then fuzz , and so on. Wordlist Selection: repository. Specifically, Discovery/Web-Content/directory-list-2.3-small.txt

is usually sufficient for HTB, but for parameters, switch to Discovery/Web-Content/burp-parameter-names.txt The "Aha!" Moment

The assessment usually concludes by combining these steps: you find a hidden , which leads to a hidden , which contains a script with a hidden

. Successfully fuzzing that parameter typically yields the flag or a way to execute code.

command syntax for one of these stages, or are you looking for tips on bypassing a specific filter?

The HTB Skills Assessment for Web Fuzzing provides hands-on validation of an analyst’s ability to uncover hidden web assets—a critical skill for securing the Lifestyle & Entertainment sector. Given the industry’s reliance on user engagement and monetization of digital content, a single fuzzing-discovered vulnerability can lead to financial loss, brand damage, and regulatory fines.

Recommendation: Entertainment companies should integrate fuzzing-based security testing into their CI/CD pipelines and require relevant HTB certifications for security team members.

Report compiled for internal security training and risk assessment purposes.

Beyond the Visible: An Analysis of Web Fuzzing in HTB Skills Assessments

In the realm of penetration testing and Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, the most critical vulnerabilities are rarely found on the surface. While a standard port scan might reveal a web server running on port 80 or 443, and a browser might show a login page or a blog, the attack vectors usually lie hidden in non-linked directories, obscure parameters, or specific file extensions. This is where the discipline of web fuzzing becomes paramount. The Hack The Box (HTB) Skills Assessment on Web Fuzzing serves as a rigorous examination of a student’s ability to automate the discovery of these hidden assets. It transitions the learner from passive observation to active interrogation, teaching the critical skills of enumeration, wordlist selection, and tool proficiency.

At its core, the HTB Web Fuzzing assessment is an exercise in brute-forcing web resources. The primary objective is usually to uncover "hidden" endpoints—directories, files, or sub-domains—that are not intended for public access or indexing by standard search engines. The assessment typically begins with the foundational tool, gobuster, or similar alternatives like ffuf and feroxbuster. The student quickly learns that fuzzing is not merely about running a command; it is about context. A standard directory scan might yield nothing on a well-configured server, but a scan targeting specific file extensions (e.g., .php, .txt, or .bak) using the -x flag can reveal backup configuration files or administrative panels. This distinction highlights a key educational outcome: the importance of specificity in fuzzing. The assessment forces the student to analyze the technology stack (identifying, for example, that a site runs on PHP) to tailor their fuzzing parameters accordingly.

Furthermore, the assessment delves into the complexities of parameter fuzzing, a step up in difficulty from directory fuzzing. While finding a directory is akin to finding a room, parameter fuzzing is akin to finding the keyhole in the door. In this phase, students often utilize tools like ffuf to guess the names of parameters used in HTTP requests (GET or POST). For instance, a URL ending in ?id=1 might be susceptible to SQL injection, but a URL with a hidden parameter ?debug=1 might reveal sensitive system information. The skills assessment challenges students to configure their tools to ignore standard HTTP response codes (like 200 OK) and instead look for differences in response size or word count to identify valid parameters. This teaches a higher level of analytical thinking, requiring the student to parse data programmatically rather than relying on the visual output of a web browser.

A critical component of the assessment that separates novice fuzzers from experts is the handling of false positives and recursion. In the real world, and in HTB assessments, web servers often return a generic "soft 404" page—a custom error page that returns a 200 OK status code. If a student relies solely on status codes, they will be inundated with thousands of false positives. The assessment tests the student's ability to filter results based on the length of the response (using -fs in ffuf or filtering by word count). Additionally, the concept of recursion—the automated scanning of discovered directories—is vital. If a scan finds /admin/, the tool must be configured to start a new scan inside that directory to find /admin/config.php. Mastering recursion ensures that no layer of the application goes untested.

Finally, the HTB Web Fuzzing assessment underscores the vital importance of wordlists. A fuzzer is only as good as the dictionary it feeds upon. Through the assessment, students learn the distinction between broad lists, like directory-list-2.3-medium.txt, and specialized lists found in repositories like SecLists. Choosing the wrong wordlist can result in a scan that takes days or one that misses the target entirely due to lack of scope. The assessment instills the habit of using targeted wordlists for specific technologies (e.g., WordPress specific lists

HTB Skills Assessment: Web Fuzzing – A Comprehensive Guide

In the realm of web security, "Fuzzing" is the art of the unknown. It’s the process of sending unexpected, malformed, or semi-random data to an application to see what breaks, what leaks, and what’s hidden. When you face the Hack The Box (HTB) Skills Assessment for Web Fuzzing, you aren't just looking for files; you are mapping the invisible attack surface of a target.

This guide breaks down the core methodology required to conquer the assessment and master the tools of the trade. 1. The Fuzzing Mindset: Beyond Directory Brute Forcing

Most beginners think fuzzing is just running dirb or gobuster to find /admin. In a professional assessment, fuzzing is used for: Directory/File Discovery: Finding hidden paths.

Vhost/Subdomain Discovery: Identifying virtual hosts that point to different environments (dev, stage, etc.).

Parameter Fuzzing: Finding hidden GET/POST parameters (e.g., ?debug=true).

Value Fuzzing: Identifying valid IDs, usernames, or bypasses. 2. Setting Up Your Toolkit

While many tools exist, ffuf (Fuzz Faster U Fool) is the industry standard for HTB assessments due to its speed and flexibility. Installation: sudo apt install ffuf -y Use code with caution.

Wordlists:You are only as good as your wordlist. Use SecLists.

Discovery: /usr/share/seclists/Discovery/Web-Content/directory-list-2.3-small.txt

Subdomains: /usr/share/seclists/Discovery/DNS/subdomains-top1million-5000.txt

Parameters: /usr/share/seclists/Discovery/Web-Content/burp-parameter-names.txt 3. Step-by-Step Assessment Strategy Phase A: Directory & File Discovery

Start by mapping the structure. HTB assessments often hide the "flag" or a sensitive login page behind non-standard extensions.

ffuf -w /path/to/wordlist.txt -u http://:/FUZZ -e .php,.html,.txt -ic Use code with caution.

-e: Specifies extensions (crucial for finding config.php.bak or info.php). -ic: Ignores wordlist comments. Phase B: Vhost Discovery

If the main IP returns a generic page, the real application might be hidden behind a Virtual Host. Since these aren't in public DNS, you must fuzz the Host header.

ffuf -w /path/to/wordlist.txt -u http://:/ -H "Host: FUZZ.target.htb" -fs 1495 Use code with caution.

-fs 1495: Filter Size. This is the most important flag. It hides responses that have a specific byte size (like the default "404" or "Welcome" page), allowing the unique vhosts to pop up. Phase C: Parameter Fuzzing (GET/POST)

Found a page but it’s blank? It might be waiting for a specific parameter. GET Fuzzing: ffuf -w /path/to/wordlist.txt -u http://target.htb -fs xxx Use code with caution.

POST Fuzzing:If GET yields nothing, the app might require data in the body. ffuf -u http://10

ffuf -w /path/to/wordlist.txt -u http://target.htb -X POST -d "FUZZ=key" -H "Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded" Use code with caution. Phase D: Value Fuzzing

Once you find a parameter like id, you need to find the right value. ffuf -w ids.txt -u http://target.htb -fr "Invalid ID" Use code with caution.

-fr: Filter Regexp. Useful for hiding pages that contain the text "Invalid ID". 4. Pro-Tips for the HTB Assessment

Don't ignore the status codes: Sometimes a 403 Forbidden is more interesting than a 200 OK. Use -mc 200,301,302,403 to see them all.

Recursion: Use the -recursion flag to automatically fuzz directories inside directories that ffuf discovers.

Speed vs. Accuracy: HTB servers can sometimes hang if you fuzz too fast. Use -t 50 to adjust threads if you see timeouts.

Match the Output: Use -of md -o results.md to save your findings in Markdown for your final report. Conclusion

The HTB Web Fuzzing assessment isn't a test of how fast your computer is; it’s a test of how well you can filter out the noise. Master the -fs (Filter Size) and -fw (Filter Words) flags, and the "hidden" flags will reveal themselves.

The Hack The Box (HTB) Academy - Web Fuzzing skills assessment focuses on using automated tools like ffuf to uncover hidden directories, files, vhosts, and parameters. To successfully complete this assessment, you will need to utilize the common.txt wordlist found in SecLists. Assessment Workflow & Methodology

The assessment typically requires a systematic approach to expand the attack surface and find the final flag. Web Fuzzing Course - HTB Academy

The HackTheBox (HTB) Academy Web Fuzzing Skills Assessment tests your ability to use

(Fuzz Faster U Fool) to discover hidden resources, subdomains, extensions, and parameters on a target web server. HTB Academy

Because HTB's Terms of Service strictly forbid sharing exact flags or direct answers to assessments, the required content is provided below as a step-by-step procedural guide with the exact

syntax and techniques needed to solve all four stages of the lab. Step 1: Subdomain / vHost Fuzzing

The initial step requires finding all active subdomains or Virtual Hosts (vHosts) serving different content on the same IP address. /etc/hosts

: Before interacting with the subdomains, map the main domain to the target IP. "TARGET_IP academy.htb" | sudo tee -a /etc/hosts Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Execute vHost Fuzzing

: Use a standard subdomain wordlist. The target responds with a default size for invalid vHosts; you must identify that size and filter it out using

ffuf -w /usr/share/seclists/Discovery/DNS/subdomains-top1million- .txt:FUZZ \ -u http://academy.htb:PORT/ \ -H "Host: FUZZ.academy.htb" \ -fs Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard (Common subdomains often found in this lab include Step 2: Extension Fuzzing

Once the subdomains are discovered, determine which file extensions (e.g., ) the web server handles and serves. Add new subdomains to /etc/hosts

"TARGET_IP archive.academy.htb test.academy.htb faculty.academy.htb" | sudo tee -a /etc/hosts Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Scan for Extensions : Target a known base file (like

) on the found subdomains to see what triggers a valid status code.

ffuf -w /usr/share/seclists/Discovery/Web-Content/web-extensions.txt:FUZZ \ -u http://.academy.htb:PORT/indexFUZZ Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Step 3: Recursive Page Fuzzing

Locate a hidden page across the subdomains by performing a deep, recursive scan leveraging the file extensions identified in Step 2. WEB FUZZING Skills Assessment - Hack The Box :: Forums 6 Aug 2024 —

Web Fuzzing Deep Feature

Overview

Web fuzzing is a crucial technique in web application security testing that involves sending a large number of unexpected inputs to a web application to identify potential vulnerabilities. As a vital component of the HTB Skills Assessment, this deep feature aims to evaluate your proficiency in web fuzzing techniques, tools, and methodologies.

Key Concepts

Practical Skills

Real-World Scenarios

Assessment Criteria

Your performance in this deep feature will be assessed based on:

Recommended Resources

Tips and Recommendations

HTB Skills Assessment: Web Fuzzing

As a security enthusiast or a professional in the field of cybersecurity, you're likely no stranger to the concept of web fuzzing. Web fuzzing, also known as web application fuzzing, is a software testing technique used to discover security vulnerabilities and stability issues in web applications. It's an essential skill for any bug bounty hunter, penetration tester, or security researcher. In this article, we'll dive into the world of web fuzzing and explore how it can be used to enhance your skills in the field of cybersecurity.

What is Web Fuzzing?

Web fuzzing involves sending a large number of unexpected, malformed, or random data to a web application to observe its behavior. The goal is to identify potential security vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), or command injection. Web fuzzing can also help you discover stability issues, such as crashes or errors, that could be exploited by an attacker.

Why is Web Fuzzing Important?

Web fuzzing is an essential skill for several reasons:

Getting Started with Web Fuzzing

To get started with web fuzzing, you'll need to choose a web fuzzing tool. Some popular options include:

Basic Web Fuzzing Techniques

Once you've chosen a web fuzzing tool, you can start experimenting with basic web fuzzing techniques. Here are a few examples:

Advanced Web Fuzzing Techniques

As you gain more experience with web fuzzing, you can start experimenting with advanced techniques. Here are a few examples: gobuster dir -u http://target

HTB Skills Assessment: Web Fuzzing

Hack The Box (HTB) is a popular online platform that provides a range of cybersecurity challenges and assessments. The HTB skills assessment for web fuzzing is designed to test your skills in web application security testing. Here are some tips for completing the HTB skills assessment for web fuzzing:

Conclusion

Web fuzzing is a valuable skill for any security enthusiast or professional in the field of cybersecurity. By using web fuzzing tools and techniques, you can identify potential security vulnerabilities in web applications and improve your skills in web application security testing. The HTB skills assessment for web fuzzing is a great way to test your skills and identify areas for improvement. With practice and experience, you can become proficient in web fuzzing and enhance your skills in the field of cybersecurity.

Additional Resources

FAQs

HTB Skills Assessment - Web Fuzzing

Introduction

Web fuzzing is a crucial technique in web application security testing that involves sending a large number of inputs to a web application to discover hidden or unlinked resources, identify potential vulnerabilities, and understand the application's behavior under various conditions. As part of the Hack The Box (HTB) skills assessment, this challenge focuses on testing your proficiency in web fuzzing.

Objective

Your objective is to fuzz a given web application to discover as much information as possible, including but not limited to:

Tools and Techniques

For this assessment, you are encouraged to use a variety of tools such as:

Methodology

Deliverables

Your submission should include:

Grading Criteria

Submission Guidelines

Please submit your report as a PDF document to [insert submission email/dropbox link]. Ensure your subject line reads: "HTB Skills Assessment - Web Fuzzing [Your Username]".

Additional Notes

This challenge is designed to assess your hands-on skills in web application security testing, specifically in web fuzzing. Good luck!

The Hack The Box (HTB) Academy "Web Fuzzing" skills assessment tests your ability to discover hidden content using tools like ffuf. It covers recursive directory fuzzing, parameter discovery, and virtual host (vHost) identification. 🛠️ Assessment Methodology

To complete the assessment, follow these core fuzzing steps: 1. Directory & File Discovery

Start by finding hidden directories and specific file extensions (like .php, .txt, .bak).

Command: ffuf -w /path/to/wordlist/common.txt -u http://IP:PORT/FUZZ -e .php,.txt -recursion.

Key Finding: Many users identify an /admin/ directory containing a panel.php file. 2. Parameter Fuzzing

Once a page like panel.php is found, you often encounter a message like "Invalid parameter." You must find the correct variable name.

Command: ffuf -w /path/to/wordlist/parameters.txt -u http://IP:PORT/admin/panel.php?FUZZ=1 -fs [baseline_size]. Key Finding: The common parameter identified is accessID. 3. Value Fuzzing

After finding the parameter name, fuzz its value to gain access.

Command: ffuf -w /path/to/wordlist/common.txt -u http://IP:PORT/admin/panel.php?accessID=FUZZ -fs [baseline_size].

Key Finding: A common value discovered is getaccess, which points you toward a new vHost. 4. VHost & Subdomain Discovery

The assessment often requires finding a hidden virtual host (e.g., fuzzing_fun.htb). Remember to add any found domains to your /etc/hosts file.

Command: ffuf -w /path/to/wordlist/subdomains.txt -u http://IP:PORT/ -H "Host: FUZZ.academy.htb" -fs [baseline_size]. 💡 Pro Tips:

Filtering: Use -fs (filter size) or -fw (filter words) to hide repetitive "Not Found" or "Access Denied" responses.

Formatting: If a question asks for a URL and it’s rejected, try replacing the actual port number with the literal string :PORT (e.g., http://academy.htb:PORT/index.php).

Case Sensitivity: Use the -ic flag in ffuf to ignore case if you aren't getting results with standard wordlists. HTB Academy Skills Assessment -Web Fuzzing | by Demacia

The Web Fuzzing Skills Assessment on HTB Academy is the culminating challenge for the Web Fuzzing module. It requires you to apply automated discovery techniques to find hidden endpoints, subdomains, and parameters on a target system. Core Assessment Objectives

To successfully complete the assessment and retrieve the final flag, you must perform several layers of discovery:

Subdomain & VHost Fuzzing: Identify all active subdomains or virtual hosts (VHosts) associated with the target (e.g., *.academy.htb).

Extension Fuzzing: Determine which file extensions (like .php, .txt, .bak) are accepted by the server before deep-fuzzing for pages.

Recursive Directory Discovery: Use tools like ffuf to scan for hidden directories. Common findings often include an /admin/ directory containing sensitive files like index.php or panel.php.

Parameter & Value Fuzzing: Once you find a functional page, identify hidden parameters (e.g., ?accessID=) and fuzz their values to bypass access controls. Essential Tooling & Workflow

The assessment is designed to be solved using ffuf and the common.txt wordlist from SecLists. Example ffuf Command VHost Fuzzing

ffuf -w wordlist.txt -u http://TARGET_IP -H "Host: FUZZ.academy.htb" Directory Fuzzing ffuf -w common.txt -u http://SERVER_IP:PORT/FUZZ Recursive Fuzzing

ffuf -w common.txt -u http://URL/FUZZ -recursion -recursion-depth 1 Extension Fuzzing

ffuf -w wordlist.txt -u http://URL/indexFUZZ (where FUZZ is .php, etc.) Common Pitfalls & Tips