Use sha256sum to ensure the file hasn't been corrupted or altered.

The first step is verifying the file type and checking for "easy" wins.

If a traffic.pcap file is included, filter for HTTP or DNS traffic to see where the "Plumber" (the attacker/victim) was communicating. 5. Conclusion & Flag

Use ExifTool on image assets (like mario_death.png or bowser.jpg ) to check for metadata comments or GPS coordinates that might be a hex-encoded flag.

If the zip contains a disk image (like a .dd or .ad1 file), load it into Autopsy to recover "deleted" files that might contain sensitive logs or password hints.

In many versions of this challenge, the "Plumber" is a metaphor for a sysadmin or a specific process.

Unzipping the file often reveals several folders, such as /levels , /assets , or /src . 3. Forensics Investigation Steps