Goal
Log in to bandit26 with the provided key and escape its non-bash shell to obtain an interactive shell.
Why this matters
Login shells, terminal dimensions, pagers, and subprocess escapes form one chain of execution context.
Progressive hints
Hint 1
Inspect bandit26's configured shell before connecting.
Hint 2
Make the terminal short enough that output opens in a pager.
Hint 3
Use the pager's documented command escape to start a shell.
Method
Run only the lines that match the evidence you observe.
grep '^bandit26:' /etc/passwd
cat <shell-path-from-passwd>
# Reduce terminal height, connect with the provided SSH key, then use the pager's help/command escape to open a shell.Expected non-secret observation
Instead of immediate logout, the login artwork pauses in a pager from which a shell can be launched.
Explanation
The custom login shell invokes a pager only when output does not fit; the pager can start another command under the same account.
Troubleshooting
- Terminal height is part of the level's behavior.
- Consult the pager's built-in help rather than guessing keys.
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 26 login. Then mark this transition complete and continue.