From 56de9dd78af96940720f667c86c4285c8e344ff9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: AbhineshJha Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2026 22:59:42 +0530 Subject: [PATCH 1/2] Add comprehensive StegHide documentation with examples and practical demonstrations --- OSINT_AND_FORENSICS/StegHide.txt | 210 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 210 insertions(+) create mode 100644 OSINT_AND_FORENSICS/StegHide.txt diff --git a/OSINT_AND_FORENSICS/StegHide.txt b/OSINT_AND_FORENSICS/StegHide.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..935b1b9 --- /dev/null +++ b/OSINT_AND_FORENSICS/StegHide.txt @@ -0,0 +1,210 @@ +What is StegHide? +StegHide is a powerful steganography tool that allows you to hide secret data inside image and audio files. +Steganography means hiding information within other non-secret data in a way that is not easily detectable. +StegHide works with JPEG, BMP, WAV, and AU file formats. It encrypts the hidden data using various encryption +algorithms and protects it with a passphrase, making it secure for secret communication. + +How StegHide Works? +StegHide embeds secret data by replacing unnecessary bits in the cover file (image or audio) with bits from +your secret message. The changes are so small that the human eye or ear cannot detect them. When you want to +retrieve the hidden data, you use the same passphrase to extract it. + +Installation +On Linux/Ubuntu: +sudo apt-get install steghide + +On Windows: +Download from the official website and install manually. + +Basic StegHide Commands and Flags + +1. EMBEDDING DATA (Hiding Information) +Command: steghide embed -cf -ef + +Example: +steghide embed -cf picture.jpg -ef secret.txt +//This will prompt for a passphrase +Enter passphrase: ******** +Re-Enter passphrase: ******** +embedding "secret.txt" in "picture.jpg"... done + +Explanation: This hides the content of secret.txt inside picture.jpg. You need to remember the passphrase +to extract the data later. + +Common Flags for Embedding: +-cf: Cover File (the image/audio file that will hide your data) +-ef: Embed File (the secret file you want to hide) +-sf: Stego File (optional - output file name, if not specified, original file is overwritten) +-p: Passphrase (specify password in command line instead of prompt) +-e: Encryption type (default is rijndael-128, options: rijndael-128, rijndael-192, rijndael-256, etc.) +-z: Compression level (1-9, where 9 is best compression) + +Example with Multiple Flags: +steghide embed -cf photo.jpg -ef confidential.txt -sf output.jpg -p "MySecretPass" -e rijndael-256 -z 9 +//Output: +embedding "confidential.txt" in "photo.jpg"... done +writing stego file "output.jpg"... done + +Explanation: This embeds confidential.txt into photo.jpg, saves the result as output.jpg, uses the +password "MySecretPass", applies rijndael-256 encryption, and compresses the data at level 9. + + +2. EXTRACTING DATA (Retrieving Hidden Information) +Command: steghide extract -sf + +Example: +steghide extract -sf picture.jpg +//Prompt for passphrase +Enter passphrase: ******** +wrote extracted data to "secret.txt". + +Explanation: This extracts the hidden data from picture.jpg and saves it with its original filename. + +Common Flags for Extracting: +-sf: Stego File (the file containing hidden data) +-xf: Extract to File (specify output filename for extracted data) +-p: Passphrase (provide password in command line) + +Example with Flags: +steghide extract -sf hidden_image.jpg -xf recovered_data.txt -p "MySecretPass" +//Output: +wrote extracted data to "recovered_data.txt". + +Explanation: Extracts hidden data from hidden_image.jpg and saves it as recovered_data.txt using +the provided password. + + +3. GETTING FILE INFORMATION +Command: steghide info + +Example: +steghide info picture.jpg +//Output: +"picture.jpg": + format: jpeg + capacity: 5.8 KB +Try to get information about embedded data ? (y/n) y +Enter passphrase: ******** + embedded file "secret.txt": + size: 2.1 KB + encrypted: rijndael-128, cbc + compressed: yes + +Explanation: Shows information about the cover file and any embedded data. You need the passphrase +to see details about the hidden content. + +Flags for Info: +-p: Provide passphrase directly +-sf: Specify stego file (alternative to just providing filename) + +Example: +steghide info picture.jpg -p "MySecretPass" +//Shows information without prompting for password + + +4. EMBED WITHOUT ENCRYPTION +Command: steghide embed -cf -ef -e none + +Example: +steghide embed -cf music.wav -ef message.txt -e none -p "" +//Output: +embedding "message.txt" in "music.wav"... done + +Explanation: Hides data without encryption and without a passphrase (empty password). This is less +secure but useful for quick testing. + + +5. CHECK FILE CAPACITY +Before embedding data, you can check how much data a cover file can hide using the info command: + +Example: +steghide info photo.jpg +//Output shows: +capacity: 12.5 KB + +Explanation: This tells you the maximum size of data you can hide in this particular image. + + +PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION + +Scenario: Hiding a secret message in an image + +Step 1: Create a secret message file +echo "This is my secret message that no one should see!" > secret_message.txt + +Step 2: Choose a cover image (let's say you have family_photo.jpg) + +Step 3: Embed the secret message +steghide embed -cf family_photo.jpg -ef secret_message.txt -sf stego_photo.jpg -p "StrongPassword123" +//Output: +embedding "secret_message.txt" in "family_photo.jpg"... done +writing stego file "stego_photo.jpg"... done + +Step 4: Share stego_photo.jpg (it looks exactly like the original photo) + +Step 5: Receiver extracts the hidden message +steghide extract -sf stego_photo.jpg -p "StrongPassword123" +//Output: +wrote extracted data to "secret_message.txt". + +Step 6: Read the extracted message +cat secret_message.txt +//Output: +This is my secret message that no one should see! + + +IMPORTANT TIPS + +1. File Size: The secret file should be smaller than the capacity of the cover file. Check capacity + using "steghide info" command. + +2. Password Security: Always use strong passphrases. Without the correct passphrase, data cannot be + extracted. + +3. Original Files: Keep backup of original files. By default, StegHide overwrites the cover file + unless you specify -sf flag. + +4. Supported Formats: + - Images: JPEG, BMP + - Audio: WAV, AU + - StegHide does NOT work with PNG files directly + +5. Detection: While StegHide is secure, specialized forensic tools can detect the presence of hidden + data through statistical analysis. Use wisely and legally. + + +COMMON USE CASES + +1. CTF Challenges: Many Capture The Flag competitions use steganography to hide flags in images +2. Secure Communication: Send confidential information hidden in innocent-looking photos +3. Data Exfiltration Detection: Security professionals use it to understand steganography techniques +4. Digital Watermarking: Embed copyright or ownership information in media files + + +TROUBLESHOOTING + +Error: "steghide: the file format of the file 'image.png' is not supported" +Solution: StegHide doesn't support PNG. Convert to JPEG or BMP first. + +Error: "could not extract any data with that passphrase" +Solution: Wrong password or the file doesn't contain hidden data. + +Error: "embedding is impossible because cover file is too short" +Solution: The cover file is too small. Use a larger image or compress your secret data more. + + +SECURITY NOTES + +- StegHide uses strong encryption (Rijndael/AES) to protect embedded data +- The presence of hidden data is not obvious without specialized analysis +- Always use this tool ethically and legally +- Never use steganography for illegal activities +- In CTF and educational contexts, it's a valuable learning tool for understanding data hiding techniques + + +CONCLUSION + +StegHide is an excellent tool for hiding sensitive information within media files. It combines strong +encryption with effective data embedding techniques. Whether you're participating in CTF competitions, +learning about cybersecurity, or understanding covert communication methods, StegHide is an essential +tool in your toolkit. Remember to always use it responsibly and ethically. \ No newline at end of file From dfd5e2f984d6060aa59ee8b68ca82159793ec25e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: AbhineshJha Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:26:08 +0530 Subject: [PATCH 2/2] Added StegHide documentation with commonly used flags and examples --- OSINT_AND_FORENSICS/StegHide.txt | 209 ++++++++----------------------- 1 file changed, 55 insertions(+), 154 deletions(-) diff --git a/OSINT_AND_FORENSICS/StegHide.txt b/OSINT_AND_FORENSICS/StegHide.txt index 935b1b9..1d1c045 100644 --- a/OSINT_AND_FORENSICS/StegHide.txt +++ b/OSINT_AND_FORENSICS/StegHide.txt @@ -1,77 +1,56 @@ What is StegHide? -StegHide is a powerful steganography tool that allows you to hide secret data inside image and audio files. -Steganography means hiding information within other non-secret data in a way that is not easily detectable. -StegHide works with JPEG, BMP, WAV, and AU file formats. It encrypts the hidden data using various encryption -algorithms and protects it with a passphrase, making it secure for secret communication. +StegHide is a steganography tool used to hide secret data inside image and audio files. It works with +JPEG, BMP, WAV, and AU file formats. The tool encrypts hidden data with a passphrase, making it secure +for covert communication. It is commonly used in CTF challenges and cybersecurity learning. -How StegHide Works? -StegHide embeds secret data by replacing unnecessary bits in the cover file (image or audio) with bits from -your secret message. The changes are so small that the human eye or ear cannot detect them. When you want to -retrieve the hidden data, you use the same passphrase to extract it. +Installation: +Linux: sudo apt-get install steghide +Windows: Download from official website -Installation -On Linux/Ubuntu: -sudo apt-get install steghide - -On Windows: -Download from the official website and install manually. - -Basic StegHide Commands and Flags +Commonly Used StegHide Flags 1. EMBEDDING DATA (Hiding Information) -Command: steghide embed -cf -ef +Basic Command: steghide embed -cf -ef Example: steghide embed -cf picture.jpg -ef secret.txt -//This will prompt for a passphrase -Enter passphrase: ******** -Re-Enter passphrase: ******** +//Output: +Enter passphrase: +Re-Enter passphrase: embedding "secret.txt" in "picture.jpg"... done -Explanation: This hides the content of secret.txt inside picture.jpg. You need to remember the passphrase -to extract the data later. +Important Flags: +-cf: Cover File (image/audio that will hide your data) +-ef: Embed File (secret file to hide) +-sf: Stego File (output filename, otherwise overwrites original) +-p: Passphrase (provide password directly) +-z: Compression level (1-9, default is 1) -Common Flags for Embedding: --cf: Cover File (the image/audio file that will hide your data) --ef: Embed File (the secret file you want to hide) --sf: Stego File (optional - output file name, if not specified, original file is overwritten) --p: Passphrase (specify password in command line instead of prompt) --e: Encryption type (default is rijndael-128, options: rijndael-128, rijndael-192, rijndael-256, etc.) --z: Compression level (1-9, where 9 is best compression) - -Example with Multiple Flags: -steghide embed -cf photo.jpg -ef confidential.txt -sf output.jpg -p "MySecretPass" -e rijndael-256 -z 9 +Example with Flags: +steghide embed -cf photo.jpg -ef secret.txt -sf output.jpg -p "password123" //Output: -embedding "confidential.txt" in "photo.jpg"... done +embedding "secret.txt" in "photo.jpg"... done writing stego file "output.jpg"... done -Explanation: This embeds confidential.txt into photo.jpg, saves the result as output.jpg, uses the -password "MySecretPass", applies rijndael-256 encryption, and compresses the data at level 9. - 2. EXTRACTING DATA (Retrieving Hidden Information) -Command: steghide extract -sf +Basic Command: steghide extract -sf Example: steghide extract -sf picture.jpg -//Prompt for passphrase -Enter passphrase: ******** +//Output: +Enter passphrase: wrote extracted data to "secret.txt". -Explanation: This extracts the hidden data from picture.jpg and saves it with its original filename. - -Common Flags for Extracting: --sf: Stego File (the file containing hidden data) --xf: Extract to File (specify output filename for extracted data) --p: Passphrase (provide password in command line) +Important Flags: +-sf: Stego File (file containing hidden data) +-xf: Extract to specific filename +-p: Passphrase (provide password directly) Example with Flags: -steghide extract -sf hidden_image.jpg -xf recovered_data.txt -p "MySecretPass" +steghide extract -sf output.jpg -xf recovered.txt -p "password123" //Output: -wrote extracted data to "recovered_data.txt". - -Explanation: Extracts hidden data from hidden_image.jpg and saves it as recovered_data.txt using -the provided password. +wrote extracted data to "recovered.txt". 3. GETTING FILE INFORMATION @@ -84,127 +63,49 @@ steghide info picture.jpg format: jpeg capacity: 5.8 KB Try to get information about embedded data ? (y/n) y -Enter passphrase: ******** +Enter passphrase: embedded file "secret.txt": size: 2.1 KB encrypted: rijndael-128, cbc compressed: yes -Explanation: Shows information about the cover file and any embedded data. You need the passphrase -to see details about the hidden content. - -Flags for Info: --p: Provide passphrase directly --sf: Specify stego file (alternative to just providing filename) - -Example: -steghide info picture.jpg -p "MySecretPass" -//Shows information without prompting for password - - -4. EMBED WITHOUT ENCRYPTION -Command: steghide embed -cf -ef -e none - -Example: -steghide embed -cf music.wav -ef message.txt -e none -p "" -//Output: -embedding "message.txt" in "music.wav"... done - -Explanation: Hides data without encryption and without a passphrase (empty password). This is less -secure but useful for quick testing. - - -5. CHECK FILE CAPACITY -Before embedding data, you can check how much data a cover file can hide using the info command: - -Example: -steghide info photo.jpg -//Output shows: -capacity: 12.5 KB - -Explanation: This tells you the maximum size of data you can hide in this particular image. +With Passphrase Flag: +steghide info picture.jpg -p "password123" +//Shows info without prompting for password PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION -Scenario: Hiding a secret message in an image - -Step 1: Create a secret message file -echo "This is my secret message that no one should see!" > secret_message.txt +Scenario: Hiding and extracting a message from an image -Step 2: Choose a cover image (let's say you have family_photo.jpg) +Step 1: Create secret message +echo "Hidden flag: CTF{st3g0_m4st3r}" > flag.txt -Step 3: Embed the secret message -steghide embed -cf family_photo.jpg -ef secret_message.txt -sf stego_photo.jpg -p "StrongPassword123" +Step 2: Embed in image +steghide embed -cf image.jpg -ef flag.txt -p "mypassword" //Output: -embedding "secret_message.txt" in "family_photo.jpg"... done -writing stego file "stego_photo.jpg"... done +embedding "flag.txt" in "image.jpg"... done -Step 4: Share stego_photo.jpg (it looks exactly like the original photo) - -Step 5: Receiver extracts the hidden message -steghide extract -sf stego_photo.jpg -p "StrongPassword123" +Step 3: Extract hidden data +steghide extract -sf image.jpg -p "mypassword" //Output: -wrote extracted data to "secret_message.txt". +wrote extracted data to "flag.txt". -Step 6: Read the extracted message -cat secret_message.txt +Step 4: View extracted content +cat flag.txt //Output: -This is my secret message that no one should see! - - -IMPORTANT TIPS - -1. File Size: The secret file should be smaller than the capacity of the cover file. Check capacity - using "steghide info" command. - -2. Password Security: Always use strong passphrases. Without the correct passphrase, data cannot be - extracted. - -3. Original Files: Keep backup of original files. By default, StegHide overwrites the cover file - unless you specify -sf flag. - -4. Supported Formats: - - Images: JPEG, BMP - - Audio: WAV, AU - - StegHide does NOT work with PNG files directly - -5. Detection: While StegHide is secure, specialized forensic tools can detect the presence of hidden - data through statistical analysis. Use wisely and legally. - - -COMMON USE CASES - -1. CTF Challenges: Many Capture The Flag competitions use steganography to hide flags in images -2. Secure Communication: Send confidential information hidden in innocent-looking photos -3. Data Exfiltration Detection: Security professionals use it to understand steganography techniques -4. Digital Watermarking: Embed copyright or ownership information in media files - - -TROUBLESHOOTING - -Error: "steghide: the file format of the file 'image.png' is not supported" -Solution: StegHide doesn't support PNG. Convert to JPEG or BMP first. - -Error: "could not extract any data with that passphrase" -Solution: Wrong password or the file doesn't contain hidden data. - -Error: "embedding is impossible because cover file is too short" -Solution: The cover file is too small. Use a larger image or compress your secret data more. - - -SECURITY NOTES +Hidden flag: CTF{st3g0_m4st3r} -- StegHide uses strong encryption (Rijndael/AES) to protect embedded data -- The presence of hidden data is not obvious without specialized analysis -- Always use this tool ethically and legally -- Never use steganography for illegal activities -- In CTF and educational contexts, it's a valuable learning tool for understanding data hiding techniques +KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER -CONCLUSION +1. Supported Formats: JPEG, BMP, WAV, AU (PNG is NOT supported) +2. Capacity: Use "steghide info" to check how much data you can hide +3. Passphrase: Required for extraction, choose strong passwords +4. Default Behavior: Overwrites original file unless -sf is used +5. Use Cases: CTF challenges, secure communication, forensics practice -StegHide is an excellent tool for hiding sensitive information within media files. It combines strong -encryption with effective data embedding techniques. Whether you're participating in CTF competitions, -learning about cybersecurity, or understanding covert communication methods, StegHide is an essential -tool in your toolkit. Remember to always use it responsibly and ethically. \ No newline at end of file +Common Errors: +- "file format not supported": File must be JPEG/BMP/WAV/AU +- "could not extract data": Wrong passphrase or no hidden data +- "cover file too short": Image too small for data size \ No newline at end of file