"This is a site set up by the Red Hacker Alliance," Gao Xiaojie explained. "The Red Hacker Alliance is currently running a training program for newcomers, and this battlenet was created by the top experts of the Red Hacker Alliance. Once you enter a room, you can battle and spar with other hackers. The Red Hacker Alliance will provide dedicated servers to improve network attack and defense capabilities. Of course, you can't maliciously damage the server or the other person's computer. Because it's all managed by experts here, if anyone is found to be sabotaging it, they're doomed."
"Each battle is scored, and the higher the score, the higher the level of the challenge. Beginner hackers like us are at the very bottom level, fighting against novice opponents. As you level up, you'll encounter more challenging opponents, and eventually you might even get to spar with the top experts from the Red Hacker Alliance."
Chen Xu immediately became interested and said, "That's great! Giving people the opportunity to spar with each other should speed up their improvement."
Gao Xiaojie chuckled and said, "Look, this is substantial enough, isn't it? Judging from your skills, you're clearly a newbie who's never fought anyone before. I've already racked up 300 points here and entered the newbie level."
Chen Xu couldn't help but laugh when he saw Gao Xiaojie get so excited about being a newbie. Gao Xiaojie said, "What are you laughing at? The lowest level here is a bird egg, and I've already hatched from one! Above 'newbie' are fledglings that have just grown feathers, and so on. There are many levels here."
Chen Xu then asked, "What kind of bird is Zhanjing?"
Gao Xiaojie gently tapped his head and said, "What kind of bird are you talking about? You're using such rude language. Jingjing is a judge!"
"No way?" Chen Xu broke out in a cold sweat and said, "Zhan Jing's skill level is that high?"
Gao Xiaojie was quite pleased with herself and said, "Of course! Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. If you want to know about Jingjing, just ask her. If she wants to tell you, she will. There are some things that I can't say, so don't spread them around!"
Chen Xu said, "I'm not one to talk too much. Fine, since you found such a great place for me, I'll give you this virtual system. But don't ask me where this system came from; it was given to me by a master. Hehe, you're not the only one who knows such impressive people."
Gao Xiaojie gave him a disdainful look and said, "What a disgrace!" However, she was still looking forward to this virtual system because it seemed to be better than the one she used.
To be precise, this system doesn't have many advantages, but it excels in its meticulousness.
Any software information processed within the system can be recorded. This virtual system is not a product from the future, but rather something Xiaomin created based on the current XP operating system. The system's internal structure is entirely based on the current XP system, including some vulnerabilities. It also contains various types of commonly used files for recording purposes.
However, none of these are significant. The real strength of this virtual system lies in its highly accurate analysis.
For example, similar simulation systems that detect virus execution can at most record how the virus replicates and modifies registry files. But this simulation system can pinpoint exactly how the virus's program is set up to run... For instance, with the Panda Burning Incense virus, it scans system processes every two seconds, looking for keywords like "Kingsoft" and "Kaspersky," then closes the corresponding processes and deletes the files.
This kind of precise search is generally not possible with virtual systems.
However, to be honest, this virtual system wasn't very powerful or widely used, so Chen Xu gave it away without any remorse... because he had better ones available.
After giving the virtual system to Gao Xiaojie, Chen Xu entered the Red Hacker Battle Network, logging in with his regular ID. He found his level was indeed "Unhatched Egg," and his points were... Upon entering a room, an IP address would be generated, offering two options: attack or defend. The defender could first gain administrator privileges on the designated IP server and then wait for an attack. Of course, if the hackers participating in the competition couldn't even get into the server, what was the point of participating? They should just go and study some beginner's guides first.
Chen Xu chose to attack because that's what he needs to practice now. With Xiao Min, the world's strongest shield, he only needs to transform himself into a powerful spear.
Soon someone came in, and seeing that his score was only a dozen points, he was also an egg (meaning he had no points). Seeing that Chen Xu chose to attack, he entered the server and chose to defend. Chen Xu was eager to fight, after all, this was his first time officially fighting against someone, even though his opponent was also an egg...
Chen Xu immediately used standard methods to scan the server's operating system version, discovering it was a very common version: Windows Server 003. Next, Chen Xu scanned the server for vulnerabilities, as he was quite familiar with this system, recognizing it as a very common server operating system.
The first thing to scan is the system's patch status, because no operating system is without vulnerabilities, and the official developers will release corresponding patches after discovering vulnerabilities. However, if a system has not installed the patch, then the vulnerability can be exploited.
After scanning the system, Chen Xu discovered that a critical patch was missing from the server: the Authenticod vulnerability, which allows remote execution of malicious code. Under certain circumstances, this vulnerability could allow ActiveX plugins to be downloaded, installed, and run without any prompting from the system.
So Chen Xu's first task is to write an ActiveX plugin with Trojan-like features to bypass the server and obtain the password.
Chapter 92: Winning Over Your Stomach
ActiveX is an open integration platform that provides developers, users, and web producers with a quick and easy way to create application integrations and content on the Internet and Internet.
Simply put, ActiveX plugins are small programs that pop up and require installation when you browse certain web pages, such as online banking, Taobao, or some video playback software, which require special means to verify information or for protection.
Strictly speaking, installing ActiveX plugins requires user consent. Internet Explorer employs security and authentication mechanisms to ensure the security of ActiveX plugins. However, many unscrupulous developers use this method to offer malware as ActiveX plugins for download. Many unsuspecting users who accidentally install them are then unable to remove them.
The most notorious examples are 3721 Internet Assistant from back then and Yahoo! Assistant now. These things are truly the ancestors of Chinese rogue software.
The program Chen Xu wrote exploited the features of ActiveX and this vulnerability in the 2003 system. The Trojan he wrote did not pose any harm to the system itself, and it was also within the rules... because Trojans are a common tool used by hackers, and prohibiting the use of Trojans is tantamount to cutting off a hacker's hand.
The Trojan's function is simple and singular: to eavesdrop on the network and obtain the administrator's password.
Because Gao Xiaojie was nearby, Chen Xu didn't use his fluent Chinese. However, while learning Chinese, he had also mastered Java, C, and other languages, so although it was a bit difficult, he still managed to create a finished product within five minutes. But Gao Xiaojie saw his speed differently. According to hacker skill levels, being able to independently write software for attacks already puts one at the level of a seasoned hacker.
However, it is quite obvious that Chen Xu's hacking skills are still quite average.
His biggest weakness is his limited offensive tactics and poor ability to seize opportunities. He clearly lacks practical combat experience.
Gao Xiaojie could only categorize Chen Xu as someone who studies very diligently, someone with a very solid foundation. They have dabbled in assembly language and other computer languages, and are quite proficient in them. These are basically programmers, not hackers. However, if they wanted to learn hacking techniques, they could achieve twice the results with half the effort. It's like in Jin Yong's novels, where Yang Dingtian, a peerless hero, went mad from practicing the Qiankun Great Shift. Zhang Wuji, who knew no martial arts, relied on his profound internal energy to reach the top in just over an hour…
The thought that this guy's progress must be much faster than hers made Gao Xiaojie a little depressed, so she rested her chin on her hand. It wasn't that she was jealous, she just felt a little annoyed at being outdone.
Chen Xu easily obtained the password by exploiting a vulnerability in the server. Before the other party could react, Chen Xu gained the administrator account, located the host, and then stormed in. He created a blank document on the desktop and wrote in it: "Hahahaha. I won!"
This competition earned Chen Xu an extra fifty points. Judge Lion's evaluation was: "Being able to discover a deliberately left vulnerability on the server in a short time and create a corresponding Trojan horse shows that this person has very solid basic skills. Although the attack method is simple, he will improve quickly in the future."
Upon seeing this comment, Chen Xu was so happy that his mouth twisted into a grin.
This was the first time in his life that he had defeated his opponent in a one-on-one hacking match, without relying on any tricks or the prestige of SMMH, but winning in a real battle. The joy of this victory was even greater than when he defeated Snke.
After all, Chen Xu's last-minute breakthrough into Snake's server during the battle was purely by luck. He felt nothing but relief—relief that Blue Baby and the others had created this opportunity for him, and relief that he had acquired such a supercomputer. Even when Snake was finally brought to justice, Chen Xu didn't feel much excitement. Although he had done it, it wasn't something he could have actually accomplished.
But this time was different. After all, I accomplished this through my own strength, even if my opponent was a novice. It felt like I had earned my first paycheck from a job—I was incredibly excited.
Excited, Chen Xu went and slaughtered a few more bird eggs, which caused a stir on the B community. Everyone said that this guy was definitely a veteran player in disguise, and they all shouted: "Don't you have any public morality?!" "Bullying a newbie!" and so on. Later, when Chen Xu opened a room, no one dared to enter for a long time. When Chen Xu entered someone's room, the host saw that it was this pervert and immediately said, "Damn it, boss, don't come to my room, okay?" and then left.
Chen Xu didn't know how to describe his current feelings; he felt both exhilarated and frustrated.
What's exhilarating is the feeling of being admired, and the sweetness of victory. What's frustrating is that no one wants to play with him anymore; can he really play against the computer all by himself?
Just then, Gao Xiaojie called out "Hey, hey" twice, and Chen Xu remembered that there was still one sitting there. Gao Xiaojie patted her stomach and said, "I'm hungry, let's go get something to eat?"
Chen Xu glanced at the time and saw it was almost seven o'clock. He also felt a pang of hunger, so he nodded and said okay, then asked, "What do you want to eat?"
Gao Xiaojie waved her little paw in the air and said, "It doesn't matter, as long as I'm full. I'll even accept instant noodles with pickled vegetables, as long as you're not too bothered."
Chen Xu sweated a little and said, "What's there to be embarrassed about? It's not like I've never eaten instant noodles with pickled vegetables before."
Gao Xiaojie rolled her eyes at him and said, "Come on, you really have the nerve to say that? Fine, fine, I'll show you what I can do today since I'm grateful for your help. Is your kitchen usable? I'll cook dinner tonight."
Chen Xu exclaimed in surprise, "You can cook? Won't this give me diarrhea?"
"Go to hell! My cooking is really good!" Gao Xiaojie waved her little fist playfully. "Hmph, don't blame me if your tongue falls off. I've never learned how to make Western-style pastries, but I'm the one who cooks at home all the time, and my skills are even better than my mom's."
Chen Xu really wanted to tell her that, generally speaking, the truly skilled cooks are men, and that men are more talented than women in this area. Don't you see that the master chefs in restaurants are all men? But he thought that it might anger feminists, so he held his breath and didn't say anything.
Chen Xu can actually cook, and he's quite good at it. His signature dishes, in particular, are, according to his father, no worse than some restaurant dishes. Chen Xu's three signature dishes—Cola chicken wings, braised pork ribs, and braised beef with potatoes—are basically staples at home.
Gao Xiaojie's suggestion made Chen Xu a little itchy to eat as well. Since he mostly ate in the school cafeteria, he was lucky to even see a few bits of meat, let alone enjoy a large pot of meat. So Chen Xu said, "I do have natural gas here, but there are no pots, pans, oil, salt, soy sauce, or vinegar; you'll have to buy them yourself. If you don't mind the hassle, we can go down and buy them now; otherwise, we can just go to a small restaurant downstairs."
"No trouble at all!" Gao Xiaojie said with a somewhat boastful air, seemingly determined to win Chen Xu's heart through his stomach. So she asked, "What do you want to eat? Mushroom chicken? Kung Pao chicken? Shredded pork with garlic sauce? Lettuce with oyster sauce?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xu exclaimed, "Wow, you know quite a few dishes!" Seeing Gao Xiaojie's smug smile, Chen Xu suddenly became wary and said, "What are you planning to do? You're not thinking of putting poison in the food, are you? Ouch!" It turned out that Gao Xiaojie had pinched him.
Both of them are the type to act on their thoughts immediately. They rushed downstairs to the supermarket and bought two iron pots, as well as spatulas, bowls, chopsticks, various seasonings, cooking oil, and so on. Then they went down again to buy some vegetables.
Chen Xu was originally going to help wash and chop the vegetables, but after Gao Xiaojie entered the kitchen, she seemed to have become a completely different person. She only let Chen Xu wash the tableware and wouldn't let him touch the vegetables.
Gao Xiaojie argued confidently: "The biggest help others can give me when I'm cooking is to sit on the sidelines and wait patiently!"
The way he said that... Chen Xu simply went back to playing games. He was happy to have some free time, so why wouldn't he?
Chen Xu returned to his computer and devised a targeted removal and protection program based on the transmission method of the Panda Burning Incense virus. Although the interface of this small software was incredibly rudimentary, its functionality was essentially comparable to some antivirus software products… of course, it was only comparable, not superior. Since both targeted the virus's attack mechanism, it was difficult to say which was better; antivirus software products were basically all the same.
After completing the task, Chen Xu posted the removal tool on the homepage of "Jin Yong's Heroes...Continuing the Romance" along with an apology letter. The letter stated that due to the site administrator's negligence, a hacker had infected the website with a Trojan horse. The site has now developed a removal tool, and infected users are requested to download and delete it. The letter also condemned the author and distributor of the virus.
While Chen Xu was doing these tasks, Gao Xiaojie was happily humming a little tune in the kitchen. "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach," she thought. "Hmph, once he's hooked on my cooking, I'll have him teach me how to program. Jingjing is too lazy to teach that stuff anyway..."
Chapter 93 Power Outage
"Dinner's ready! Dinner's ready!" Forty minutes later, just as Chen Xu was starting to feel ravenously hungry, Gao Xiaojie's cheerful voice rang out: "Big pig head, come out here! Dinner's ready!"
Chen Xu perked up immediately upon hearing this and rushed out of the house. As soon as he entered the kitchen, he was greeted by a fragrant aroma. He exclaimed "Ah!" and, seeing the colorful and delicious dishes on the table, grabbed a slice of bamboo shoot and put it in his mouth: "Mmm, it's so hot, but it tastes really good!"
Gao Xiaojie patted Chen Xu on the back with a smile and said, "Wash your hands first! Quickly wash your hands and sit down to eat."
Watching Gao Xiaojie serve the dishes and fill two bowls of rice like a virtuous wife, Chen Xu felt a sense of warmth. On such a cold winter day, a girl so carefully and thoughtfully prepared a table full of dishes—it was truly a wonderful feeling.
Gao Xiaojie was putting food into her bowl, tasting it and finding it quite delicious. She was feeling a little smug, thinking that even though she hadn't cooked for six months, her skills hadn't deteriorated at all, when she suddenly noticed Chen Xu staring at her intently… Normally, this girl would probably glare at him arrogantly and say, "What are you looking at?" But looking at the table full of food, she suddenly felt flustered, her face flushed, and she almost buried her face in her bowl, muttering softly, "What… what are you looking at?"
"Nothing, nothing." Chen Xu chuckled sheepishly, quickly piling food into his bowl, eating as he went, muttering, "Mmm, so delicious!"
An awkward silence fell over the two of them, despite the delicious food. Snowflakes were falling outside the window, and the wind howled through the hallway, echoing between the walls.
Both of them seemed to sense the awkward atmosphere. So they both tried to start a conversation, and simultaneously said "Hey!" Gao Xiaojie asked, "What are you feeding me?" Chen Xu smiled sheepishly, "Nothing, nothing, you go first, you go first."
Gao Xiaojie thought for a moment, then blushed and asked, "You... um. I have a question. How exactly did you catch that man who slit the throat?"
"Well..." Chen Xu had already repeated this lie countless times, so it came out smoothly. However, given the current atmosphere, Chen Xu felt a little embarrassed to embellish it further, and simply stated that he had suspected Huo Hu because he had accidentally seen the injury on the back of Huo Hu's head.
Gao Xiaojie said "Oh," and then said, "Then I really have to thank you. Thank you for helping me get revenge."
Chen Xu broke out in a cold sweat upon hearing this and said, "Don't be so ambiguous, okay? The way you're talking makes it sound like a female ghost has come to repay a debt of gratitude."
Normally, Gao Xiaojie would have kicked her right away, but this time she just blushed and said, "You're the ghost!"
Chen Xu chuckled and said, "If I were a ghost, I'd be a male ghost, a vengeful one. It wouldn't be bad to have a beautiful female ghost like you as a companion." But after he said that, the atmosphere became even more ambiguous, and the two of them immediately fell silent.
But just then, the room went dark with a "snap," and someone downstairs yelled, "Damn! What happened? Why is the power out?"
"A power outage?" Chen Xu and Gao Xiaojie were both stunned in the darkness. These days, power outages are extremely rare, but when they do occur, the consequences can be severe. Perhaps heavy snow has accidentally broken some power lines, and repairs could take a long time.
The noise downstairs subsided after a while, and in the dark room, only the howling wind could be heard outside. Chen Xu said, "I'll go find a candle." I remembered there were candles in the room, but then he remembered Gao Xiaojie and said, "Don't...don't leave me here. I...I'm scared."
Chen Xu was taken aback at first, then laughed. He hadn't expected Gao Xiaojie, usually such a carefree girl, to be afraid of the dark.
Hearing Chen Xu's laughter in the darkness, Gao Xiaojie couldn't help but pinch Chen Xu according to the spot she remembered. Hearing Chen Xu groan, Gao Xiaojie muttered, "What are you laughing at? It's all your fault! You kept talking about ghosts and ghosts, and the sound of the wind outside... it was really scary."
Chen Xu suppressed a laugh. So Gao Xiaojie was just an ordinary girl after all. She usually acted fiercely like a little wildcat, but in reality, she was afraid of many things that girls are afraid of, like mice, cockroaches, the dark, the cold, ghosts, and being alone.
So Chen Xu said, "We can't stay in the dark forever. If you're scared, come with me, and we'll light some candles." Then Chen Xu checked his pockets and realized he hadn't brought a lighter. Then, because he wasn't wearing enough clothes, he couldn't help but sneeze. He said, "No, no. It'll be too cold after the power goes out. I need to get dressed."
Hearing him say that, Gao Xiaojie felt a bit cold. So she obediently agreed. Chen Xu stood up, pushing the stool with a loud thud. Gao Xiaojie said, "Hey, wait for me," and then reached out to grab Chen Xu's clothes.
But in the darkness, she misjudged the situation and grabbed Chen Xu's butt. Chen Xu exclaimed, "Ah!" and said, "How can you be so indecent?" Gao Xiaojie then asked, "How am I an indecent person?"
Chen Xuhan said, "If you're not a pervert, why are you touching my butt?"
Upon hearing this, Gao Xiaojie broke out in a cold sweat and said, "How was I supposed to know that was your butt? Uh, no wonder I couldn't catch it."
After saying this, the two fell silent again. After a long while, Chen Xu said, "Give me your hand."
Gao Xiaojie obediently stretched out her hand. Chen Xu felt around in the darkness and grasped her soft little hand, his heart immediately fluttering. Girls really are all like that; their hands are so tender, soft and boneless. Especially for a petite and delicate girl like Gao Xiaojie from Jiangnan, her hands are even softer. However, her palms seemed quite sweaty, making the feeling of holding them both comfortable and strange.
The room was completely silent, except for the strange whistling of the cold wind outside. The room was so quiet that you could hear the two of them beating their own hearts.
Chen Xu, holding Gao Xiaojie's hand, slowly made their way out of the kitchen and across the living room in the dark. They stumbled and bumped into things along the way, hitting two chairs, a table, and three walls in just a few meters. However, it was Chen Xu who bumped into them, as he was leading the way; Gao Xiaojie, on the other hand, made it through smoothly.
Entering the bedroom felt a bit better, because although the two laptops were out of power, they were still working on their batteries, so at least there was some light.
Seeing light in the darkness was indeed exhilarating, and both of them breathed a sigh of relief. Gao Xiaojie gently tugged at her hand, and Chen Xu let out an "oh" before releasing it, then said to cover up his unease, "Put on a coat, I'll go find a candle."