> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://thamizhiniyancs.gitbook.io/writeups/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://thamizhiniyancs.gitbook.io/writeups/hackthebox/tracks/intro-to-android-exploitation/apkrypt.md). # APKrypt ## Overview Hey everyone, in this write-up we will be solving an HTB challenge APKrypt. Link to the challenge: Let’s Start!!!!!! *** ## Initial Setup First download and extract the given file.
From the README.txt file, we can see that the application supports API level 29 or earlier.
Next I used `apktool` to extract the apk file.
After extracting the apk, I first took a look at the `AndroidManifest.xml` file to check whether there is any minimum SDK version is required to run the app.
There was nothing mentioned about that. So, In my case I installed the apk on an Android 10 / API 29 Virtual Device with Google API’s. To install the `apk`, I used `adb`.
*** ## Application Interaction Next I just take a look at the app and its functionality.
The app loads with a page, where we have to enter the VIP code to get the ticket. There is nothing else in the page except a submit button. So I moved on to analyse the decompiled `smali` code. I first opened the apk with `jadx-gui`, to get the basic understanding of the application. *** ## Code Analysis {% embed url="" %} In the `MainActivity` class file, you can find the main function which checks whether the VIP code is valid or not and if valid, it returns the flag.
* The if condition checks whether the MD5 version of the code that we input is equal to the MD5 hashed VIP code. For that, it uses the `equals` method. * Now to bypass this check, we can modify the `equals` method to `notEqual`, so that even if the input is empty or invalid the flag will be shown. * To modify the above condition, we have to first decompile the `apk` and modify the `smali` code of this particular if condition and recompile the `apk` and sign it with a key, to bypass the check. To perform the above task, I used `APKlab` tool to Modify the apk. {% embed url="" %} *** ## Modifying the APK First open vscode and use the shortcut key `ctrl + shift + p` to open the command pallet and search for `APKLab: Open an APK` option and click it.
Now locate the apk file and select it.
Next leave the defaults in the popup and click OK.
After pressing ok, `APKLab` will decompile the android application and will load a new window with the decompiled files. I used the search feature in the vscode to find the condition, by looking out for the MD5 hashed version of the VIP code to which our input code is compared.
From the results, we have found the if condition. Now its time to modify the if condition. Replace the `if-eqz` to `if-nez`, which means `not equals` and save the file.
*** ## Rebuilding and Signing the APK Now it’s time to compile and sign the apk. To do that select the `apktool.yml` file in the file explorer → right click to view the options → click on the option `APKLab: Rebuild the APK`
After the build process is completed you should see a output similar to this:
*** ## Installing the Modified APK Now its time to install app. Before installing the modified version of the app, ensure that you have uninstalled the unmodified version of the app.
After installing the app, open the app and press the submit button \[ with or without the VIP code ( Both should WORK ) ].
You can see the toast message with the flag. We have successfully obtained the flag. Thank You !!!!!!