Goal
Read the home-directory readme even though a modified .bashrc logs out interactive SSH sessions.
Why this matters
Remote command execution can bypass an interactive startup path and is useful for controlled automation and recovery.
Progressive hints
Hint 1
The credential still permits SSH authentication.
Hint 2
SSH can receive a command after the destination.
Hint 3
Ask for only the file you need.
Method
Run only the lines that match the evidence you observe.
ssh bandit18@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220 'cat readme'Expected non-secret observation
The remote command prints the file before the connection closes.
Explanation
A command-mode SSH session does not require the same interactive shell workflow that triggers the logout behavior.
Troubleshooting
- Place the remote command after the SSH destination.
- Quote the command so your local shell does not reinterpret it.
Safety and cleanup
- Use only the OverTheWire game host and your own local practice directory.
- Do not paste a level password into this site, screenshots, notes, or submissions. Baitaphish never asks for credentials.
- Treat commands as learning prompts: inspect paths and flags before running them.
Completion and next step
Use the recovered credential only in the official Level 19 login. Then mark this transition complete and continue.