Running rCDS for an Event

This section provides a detailed guide on how to set up rCDS for your event, from initializing a managed Kubernetes cluster to promoting an admin team.

Setup Managed Kubernetes Cluster

  1. Choose a Managed Kubernetes Service: Select a managed Kubernetes service from providers like Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), Amazon EKS, or Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). We used Amazon EKS for the most recent event.

  2. Create the Cluster: Follow the provider’s instructions to create a Kubernetes cluster. Ensure you have enough nodes and resources allocated based on the expected load.

Install Ingress Controller

  1. Install NGINX Ingress Controller:

    • For detailed instructions and the latest deployment methods for the NGINX Ingress Controller, visit the official Kubernetes NGINX Ingress Controller deployment page at NGINX Ingress Controller Deployment.

    • Follow the guidelines specific to your environment to ensure the Ingress Controller is properly set up.

Deploy rCTF using Helm

  1. Add the Helm Repository:

    helm repo add rctf https://helm.redpwn.net

  2. Install rCTF:

    • Prepare a values.yaml file specifically for setting proxy configurations, such as port mappings and other network-related settings. This file is essential for customizing how external traffic is managed and routed to the deployment.

    • Deploy rCTF with your custom proxy settings by executing:

      helm install rctf rctf/rctf -f values.yaml

    This setup emphasizes the use of the values.yaml file for configuring network aspects like proxy settings, ensuring that the Helm deployment is aligned with your specific environmental requirements.

Non-rCDS Deployment Setup

  1. Create an Admin Team:

    • After deploying rCTF, create a team through the platform’s user interface.

  2. Promote to Admin:

    • Access the database associated with rCTF.

    • Update the team’s role to ‘admin’ using a database query:

      UPDATE teams SET role='admin' WHERE team_name='your_admin_team_name';

Verification

  1. Verify Installation:

    • Ensure that all components are running correctly by checking the statuses of all pods and services.

    • Access the rCTF platform through the ingress IP to confirm that the installation is functional.

  2. Test with Sample Challenges:

    • Deploy a few sample challenges to verify that challenges are being loaded and executed correctly.

Note

It is important to perform a dry run of the setup before the actual event to ensure all components are configured correctly and operational.

Deployment Backends