no-sudo-for-you's Security Lab | DawgCTF

Line in the Sand (OSINT)

Category OSINT (Open Source Intelligence)

Points 100

Difficulty Medium

This challenge involves using the what3words geolocation system to identify a specific location. The challenge provides a what3words address: wire.asset.comic.

Understanding what3words

what3words is a geocoding system that has divided the world into 3m x 3m squares, each with a unique 3-word address. It's designed to be more memorable and easier to share than traditional coordinates. The system can be particularly useful for indicating precise locations in areas without formal addressing systems.

what3words System:
Unlike traditional coordinates, what3words uses three random words to identify a precise 3m x 3m location anywhere on Earth. For example, "table.chair.lamp" might correspond to a specific spot in Central Park.

Finding the Location

I first accessed the what3words website and entered the provided address: wire.asset.comic

https://what3words.com/wire.asset.comic

The what3words address led me to a specific location in San Antonio, Texas. Looking at the satellite view, I could see that this was on a military installation. By checking the surrounding area and landmarks, I was able to identify this as Fort Sam Houston.

Using Google Maps to confirm the location, I verified that the what3words address corresponded to a spot within Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

The challenge asked for the name of the military installation, so the flag would be Fort Sam Houston.

FLAG: DawgCTF{Fort_Sam_Houston}

Key Learning: This challenge demonstrates how modern geolocation tools like what3words can be used in OSINT investigations. The system provides a unique way to specify exact locations, which can be valuable for intelligence gathering, emergency services, and navigation in areas without conventional addresses.