GaianSpace-2026-Writeup

100-well-hello

Category	01-welcome
Points	1

Description

At 21:00 UTC, the new operator checks in at console four. The watch lead, Ilse Moravec, indicates that the check-in word is Welcome and that every message uses the same flag envelope. A note explicitly warns that PASSWORD123 does not work.

Flag format: GAIANSPACE{[Welcome]}

Attachments: None.

Hints

Two hints were released during the event:

1. The patch, not the stitching — Moravec says the brackets on the card are where the word goes. They are not part of the word.
2. Still on the pad — Copy it almost exactly. The console is fussy about capital letters and does not forgive stray spaces.

Solution

Steps

1. Identify the check-in phrase

The challenge text directly gives the word Welcome. There is no connection endpoint or file to inspect for this introductory challenge.

2. Apply the submission envelope

The competition uses GAIANSPACE{...} for flags. The square brackets in the example mark replaceable text and must not be submitted literally. Case is significant, so retain the capital W.

3. Ignore the decoy

PASSWORD123 is explicitly rejected in the story; it is not a password to crack or a valid flag.

Exploit Code

Not applicable. This is a flag-format and reading-comprehension check; no tool or code is needed.

Flag

GAIANSPACE{Welcome}