DEV Community

Jadi
Jadi

Posted on

Accessing and browsing blockchain using web3py python library

This is from HeroCTF v5, Blockchain challenge called Arrest. It reads:

In the dim-lit confines of his room, a lone figure hunched over a computer screen. Known online as 'Swissy', he was one of the most notorious ransomware operators worldwide.
From his small apartment in a forgotten corner of Moscow, Swissy had wreaked havoc on the digital world, crippling entire industries with his ransomware attacks.
But tonight, his reign of terror ended abruptly. A sudden knock echoed through the room, followed by the splintering of the door as Russian FSB agents stormed in.
Swissy was arrested, but the real challenge was only beginning - tracing the syndicate behind him.
Find the address who funded the ransomware operator (0xf6c0513FA09189Bf08e1329E44A86dC85a37c176)

To solve it, I use web3py to connect to the blockchain and then will check for every block created from the beginning. There, I will check for transactions in the block and if there is any, I will check for its "to". If it matches, we will show the "from" (which is Swissy!).

IMO this can be a good intro if you are interested in using web3py and blockchain programming in general.

Top comments (3)

Collapse
 
mona_jess_8a19efb37716e49 profile image
Mona Jess

This is a fascinating approach to understanding blockchain programming with web3py! For those delving deeper into public records or criminal data related to such events, tools like Mugshot Lookup in Arizona can be helpful. They provide a detailed look into arrest updates and offender lookup services. Keep exploring, and good luck with your blockchain projects!

Collapse
 
mullan_jackson_6e5cdb7003 profile image
mullan jackson

This blockchain challenge provides an interesting look at how to use web3py for tracking transactions and uncovering the identities behind them. If you're delving into blockchain development or forensic analysis, you might want to explore more tools and resources. For example, if you're interested in finding arrest records or conducting background checks, you can explore Police Reports in Illinois to help you with public records and criminal data. It's a great way to understand how data systems work in different domains, whether blockchain or law enforcement.

Collapse
 
neena_michael profile image
Neena Michael

This is a fascinating example of how web3py can be utilized to trace blockchain transactions, a crucial skill in today's digital security landscape. If you're interested in understanding more about digital footprints and criminal activities like this, you might find useful information in Arrests-la.org and other public records related to criminal histories and mugshots. Web3py and blockchain technology can open doors to powerful investigative tools, helping track down offenders and gather valuable arrest data.

Some comments may only be visible to logged-in visitors. Sign in to view all comments.