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Cryptography-Exercises: An Open Source Educational Resource for Data Security | OpenSec Atlas

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Educational Resource

Cryptography-Exercises

An educational repository providing hands-on cryptography exercises in C with OpenSSL and Python-based cryptographic attack prototypes.

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About This Tool

Exercises for Cryptography Exam @ Polito - Cryptographic primitives in C with OpenSSL and prototype attacks in Python.

Primary Use Case

This tool is designed for students and practitioners learning cryptography by implementing cryptographic primitives and exploring attack techniques. It is ideal for those preparing for exams or seeking practical experience in cryptographic programming and exploitation.

Key Features

Implementation of cryptographic primitives in C using OpenSSL
Exercises covering random number generation, symmetric encryption, digests, MACs, big numbers, and asymmetric cryptography
Python scripts for rapid prototyping of cryptographic attacks
Capture The Flag (CTF) style challenges for practical problem solving
Structured learning path bridging theory and practice
Focus on both cryptographic construction and exploitation

Insights & Recommendations

Users should have a working knowledge of C programming and Python to fully benefit from the exercises. OpenSSL must be properly installed and configured. The repository is intended for educational purposes and does not provide production-ready cryptographic software.

Installation

Clone the repository using: git clone https://github.com/eliainnocenti/Cryptography-Exercises.git
Ensure OpenSSL development libraries are installed on your system
Compile C exercises using the provided Makefiles or gcc with OpenSSL flags
Use Python 3 environment to run Python-based attack scripts
Refer to individual exercise README files for specific build and run instructions

Usage

cd C/OpenSSL/01-random-numbers && make

Compile and run exercises for generating cryptographically secure pseudo-random numbers.

cd C/OpenSSL/02-symmetric-encryption && make

Build and test symmetric encryption implementations using OpenSSL.

python3 Python/attack_example.py

Run a Python script prototype for a cryptographic attack.

cd C/CTFs/rand && make

Compile and solve the 'Rand' CTF challenge involving bytewise operations on random strings.

Smart Usage Notes

Ideal for purple team exercises to bridge offensive and defensive cryptography knowledge.Can be integrated into training programs to improve blue team understanding of cryptographic weaknesses.Use the Python attack prototypes to simulate real-world cryptographic exploitation scenarios.Incorporate CTF challenges into red team engagement planning for realistic cryptography attack simulations.Leverage the repository as a foundation for developing custom cryptographic detection rules in SIEM solutions.