Outpost24’s Capture the Flag event recap: “json returns”
On the crisp morning of December 13th, 2024, as the clock struck 09:59 CET, anticipation filled the air. Around the world, over 200 hackers from 100 teams were gearing up for Outpost24’s annual Capture the Flag (CTF) event, aptly named “json returns“. Participants performed their final checkups, opened cans of energy drinks, and stretched their fingers, preparing for the intense week ahead. The atmosphere was electric; you could almost feel the energy radiating from the players through the screens, as the countdown slowly ticked down.
As the clock struck 10:00 CET, the CTF officially kicked-off. Hundreds of hackers unleashed their skills and creativity, diving into a myriad of challenges. The first flag was captured within seconds, a thrilling moment that set the tone for the fierce competition ahead. Teams raced against the clock, and for each solved challenge, climbing the leaderboard.
For a whole week, “json returns” was a battleground for extremely skilled hackers. Some of the standout moments were witnessing teams create elegant, unexpected solutions to particularly stubborn challenges, turning seemingly insurmountable obstacles into ingenious solves. The diversity of solutions showcased the depth of knowledge and adaptability within the cybersecurity community. From elegant scripts that automated exploits to clever bypasses of security mechanisms, every solve was an evidence to the participants’ dedication and expertise.
What’s a Capture the Flag (CTF)?
A Capture the Flag (CTF) competition is a dynamic cybersecurity hacking contest where participants solve a variety of security-related challenges to earn points. Each successfully solved challenge rewards the participant or team with a unique “flag,” which acts as proof of accomplishment. The challenges range from hacking into web applications and cracking cryptographic codes to reverse engineering software and conducting digital forensics. CTFs are designed to test and enhance both technical and problem-solving skills, developing a spirit of competition and collaboration among the players.
The December 2024 CTF: “json returns”
Running from December 13th at 10:00 CET to December 20th at 20:00 CET, the event featured 53 challenges spanning multiple cybersecurity domains. From web exploitation and cryptography to reverse engineering and forensics, each task was meticulously crafted to push the boundaries of creativity and technical prowess. With 227 registered users forming 103 competitive teams, the CTF promised, and delivered, a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Key highlights:
- Total challenges: 53
- Participants: 227 registered users
- Teams: 103 competitive teams
- Platforms: CTFd as the main CTF platform and a dedicated Discord server for real-time communication, mingle and support
Real-time excitement
The competition was electrifying, with the final flag being captured just seven minutes before the deadline, sealing the victory for team m0xSquad. The real-time leaderboard updates and the intense final hours added a thrilling dimension to the event, keeping participants on the edge of their seats. It was not uncommon for flags to be submitted just within hours before the deadline, showcasing the teams’ dedication, persistence, and strategic planning.
Community and collaboration
One of the standout aspects of our CTF was the vibrant community on our Discord server. During the event, the platform served as a space for hackers to interact, mingle, and keep up with event announcements. The camaraderie and support within the Discord community was amazing and created a positive and engaging environment.
The dynamic interaction on Discord not only facilitated smooth competition but also enabled knowledge sharing and networking. It was particularly rewarding to see participants collaborate and build connections that extended beyond the CTF. The Discord server became a hub of activity, where players exchanged tips, celebrated solves, and supported each other through challenging puzzles.
Event stats and final standings
The “json returns” 2024 CTF was a remarkable success, both in terms of participation and the quality of challenges presented. Here are some of the key statistics:
- Registered Users: 227
- Competing Teams: 103
- Total Challenges: 53
- Total Solves: 675
Final Team Standings:
- m0xSquad – 6,930 points
- Adventsary – 5,674 points
- Appsec Happy Days – 4,710 points
- ฅ/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\ฅ – 4,374 points
- ulol21 – 4,323 points
MVP Standings:
- ulol21 – 4,323 points
- Love_op24 – 3,742 points
- panko – 3,238 points
- DJ Kallskänk – 2,840 points
- rullskridskodisko – 2,432 points

Why you should give the next CTF a try!
Our Capture the Flag (CTF) competition has proven to be an exceptional platform for participants (particularly students) to showcase both technical and soft skills. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, creating a competitive yet collaborative environment. By emphasizing not only individual brilliance but also teamwork, communication, time management, and strategic planning, CTFs provide participants with invaluable experiences that extend far beyond the challenges themselves.
CTFs allow students to apply classroom theories to real-world scenarios, bridging the divide between academic knowledge and hands-on experience. It allows them to engage with challenges in areas like web exploitation, cryptography, and forensics enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Furthermore, the opportunity to write detailed solution write-ups solidifies understanding while helping participants articulate complex concepts clearly, an essential skill in professional settings.
Beyond skill development, CTFs are ideal for networking. Participants interact and build connections with organizers, industry professionals, and peers who share their passion for cybersecurity. Collaborative learning in team-based challenges fosters communication, the exchange of ideas, and the ability to leverage diverse strengths. The experience of working in teams, coupled with exposure to the latest tools and techniques, ensures participants remain updated with industry trends and advancements.
For students, successful participation can lead to tangible outcomes such as portfolio enhancements. Showcasing detailed write-ups and achievements provides concrete evidence of skills and dedication, which is highly attractive to potential employers.
Broader impact of CTFs
Capture the Flag competitions are more than just contests; they cultivate a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration. At Outpost24, we see CTFs as fundamental to the growth and vitality of the cybersecurity field. They embody the essence of ethical hacking, combining technical expertise with strategic teamwork to solve complex challenges.
CTFs serve multiple purposes beyond skill development. They provide organizations with a unique opportunity to identify and recruit top talent, as participants often display traits highly valued in professional environments. These events also foster community building by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration. The creative and dynamic nature of CTF challenges inspires participants to think outside the box, advancing both personal growth and industry practices.
For companies, CTFs are excellent team-building exercises, strengthening relationships while improving communication and collaboration among team members. They nurture the innovative thinking and problem-solving mindset that is vital in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
In essence, CTFs are powerful tools for personal and professional growth. No matter if you’re a student eager to showcase your skills, a professional looking to test your expertise, or a cybersecurity enthusiast seeking a fun and engaging challenge, Outpost24’s CTF is the perfect platform for you.
Join us for the next CTF
As we wrap up the excitement of the Outpost24 CTF 2024, we’re already gearing up for our next event! Mark your calendars: the Christmas CTF 2025 is planned to kick off on December 12th, spanning an entire week of thrilling challenges and friendly competition.
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by diving into a CTF? Sharpen your skills, tackle creative puzzles, and immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the cybersecurity community – all while gearing up for the festive season. Stay tuned for updates, and start gathering your teammates to ensure you’re ready for what promises to be another incredible event.
Interested to learn how our Web Application Security team could help your organization? Get in touch here.