OverTheWire Bandit: Level 2 → Level 3
1. Context
We have logged in as bandit2. The password for the next level is stored in a file named --spaces in this filename-- located in our home directory. Our task is to read this file which contains spaces and starts with dashes.
2. Technical Logic
This filename presents a double challenge for the Linux Shell:
- Spaces: Interpreted as delimiters by the Shell.
- Dashes (
-or--): Interpreted as the start of a command flag/option.
Simply quoting it (cat "--spaces...") might not be enough, as the command could still parse it as a flag. We need to combine quoting with an explicit path indication.
3. Execution
Step 1: List Files
ls
# Output: --spaces in this filename--Step 2: Read Content
The safest method is to specify the file relative to the current directory (./) while also quoting it.
Method: Quotes + Relative Path (Best Practice)
cat "./--spaces in this filename--"Alternative: Escaping
cat \-\-spaces\ in\ this\ filename\-\-Method C: Tab Completion (Practical)
Type the first few letters of the filename and press the TAB key. The Shell will automatically apply the correct formatting (usually escaping).
cat "./--<TAB>"
# Automatically becomes: cat "./--spaces in this filename--"4. Result
Copy the password, log out, and connect to the next level.
Logout: exit
New Connection: ssh bandit3@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220