The event runs from 3:00 pm on December 1, 2024 until 11:59 pm on December 31, 2024 (EST). Registration remains open throughout the event.

Challenges

A new challenge is released every day at 3 pm EST until December 25. You need to obtain a flag that is always in the format csd{example_flag}. Knowing the flag format may be useful when attempting challenges. You do not need to solve previous challenges before attempting later-released challenges.

Each challenge has two hints. The first hint will be given 12 hours after the challenge releases (at 3 am EST) and the second hint will be given 24 hours after the challenge releases (at 3 pm EST). Hints do not cost points and players will not be penalized for viewing them.

Flags may be submitted at any time during the event, but cooldowns may be present after repeated guesses.

Scoring

Each challenge has a point value assigned to it. For challenges with multiple parts, points will be split and awarded after completing each part.

In case of a tiebreaker between points, the player who has kept their score the longest will be placed first.

Prizes

The prize pool for this event is $280 USD. Prizes sponsored by ICSRED.

• Only high school students (or its equivalent in the player's country) and college/university students are eligible to win prizes for the High School & College division.
• Anyone is allowed to participate in the write-up division. We will accept submissions after the event is over; they will be judged by the challenge developers.
• Only registered players are eligible to win prizes.

Competition Guidelines

• All participants must be 13 years old or above. Individuals under 18 years old must have consent from their parent or guardian.
• All participants should show sportsmanship and be respectful towards other players and the event staff.
• This is an individual event. You may discuss challenges responsibly per the below guidelines.
• Giving hints or pointers to other players are allowed in the Discord server; however, sharing answers, walkthroughs, or write-ups are prohibited. Write-ups can be published after the event is over.
• Players can DM Modmail on Discord for support from staff members; however, additional hints or answers cannot be given.
• Do not repeatedly spam or attempt to crash the server.
• Do not use files or links that were created for another player.
• Do not perform attacks on the competition website, scoring server, Discord bot, or Discord server.
• Do not perform attacks on or sabotage other players.
• Do not attempt to circumvent sandboxes for each challenge.
• Each person can only have register with one account. Challenge developers and administrators cannot participate in the event.
• Players must not be currently banned from the Discord server or be banned from participating in the daily CTF.