← Bandit Solutions

Level 0

Level 0 → Level 1

Completed

📋 Level Information

Host: bandit.labs.overthewire.org
Port: 2220
Username: bandit0
Password: bandit0

🎯 Level Goal

The goal of this level is to log into the game using SSH. The host to which you need to connect is bandit.labs.overthewire.org, on port 2220. The username is bandit0 and the password is bandit0.

Once logged in, go to the Level 1 page to find out how to beat Level 1.

📝 Prerequisites

  • A terminal or SSH client (built-in on Linux/Mac, use PuTTY on Windows)
  • Internet connection
  • Basic knowledge of command line (optional for this level)

🔧 Solution Steps

Step 1: Open Your Terminal/SSH Client

Open your preferred terminal application:

  • Linux/Mac: Open Terminal
  • Windows: Use PuTTY or Windows Terminal

Step 2: Connect via SSH

Type the following command in your terminal:

ssh bandit0@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220

Explanation of the command:

  • ssh - Secure Shell protocol for remote login
  • bandit0@ - Username for authentication
  • bandit.labs.overthewire.org - Hostname of the server
  • -p 2220 - Port number (default SSH port is 22, but Bandit uses 2220)

Step 3: Accept the SSH Fingerprint (First Time Only)

If this is your first time connecting, you'll see a message like this:

The authenticity of host 'bandit.labs.overthewire.org (...)' can't be established.
ECDSA key fingerprint is SHA256:...
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?

Type yes and press Enter to continue.

Step 4: Enter the Password

When prompted, enter the password for bandit0:

bandit0

Note: The password won't be visible as you type (no asterisks or dots). This is normal for security reasons.

Step 5: Success!

If everything is correct, you'll see a welcome message and be logged into the server:

Welcome to OverTheWire!

      ,----..            ,----,          .---.
     /   /   \         ,/   .`|         /. ./|
    /   .     :      ,`   .'  :     .--'.  ' ;
   .   /   ;.  \   ;    ;     /    /__./ \ : |
  .   ;   /  ` ; .'___,/    ,' .--'.  '   \' .
  ;   |  ; \ ; | |    :     | /___/ \ |    ' '
  |   :  | ; | ' ;    |.';  ; ;   \  \;      :
  .   |  ' ' ' : `----'  |  |  \   ;  `      |
  '   ;  \; /  |     '   :  ;   .   \    .\  ;
   \   \  ',  /      |   |  '    \   \   ' \ |
    ;   :    /       '   :  |     :   '  |--"
     \   \ .'        ;   |.'       \   \ ;
  www. `---` ver0    '---' he       '---" ire.org


Welcome to OverTheWire!

...
bandit0@bandit:~$

You're now logged in and ready for Level 1!

🔍 Troubleshooting

Connection Refused or Timed Out

Possible causes:

  • Internet connection issues
  • Firewall blocking port 2220
  • Server maintenance (check OverTheWire status)

Permission Denied

Possible causes:

  • Wrong username (should be bandit0)
  • Wrong password (should be bandit0)
  • Typo in the command

Command Not Found: ssh

Solution for Windows: Use PuTTY instead of command line, or install OpenSSH

💡 Explanation

This is the introductory level designed to get you familiar with connecting to the Bandit server via SSH.

What is SSH?

SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol used to securely connect to remote servers over an unsecured network. It provides encrypted communication between two untrusted hosts.

Why Port 2220?

While the standard SSH port is 22, OverTheWire uses port 2220 to avoid conflicts with any existing SSH services on your machine and to manage multiple wargames.

What Happens After Login?

Once logged in as bandit0, you'll have access to the Bandit server with limited permissions. The password for the next level (bandit1) is stored in a file in the home directory.

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