GeoOsint Challenge Writeup

Category: OSINT
Points: 250
Author: Saurabh Sharma

Challenge Description

"We received this suspicious photo from an unknown source. Can you tell us where this person was standing?"

Attached Image: view.jpg

Step 1: Analyzing the Image

The image showed a distinct bridge in the background, a specific type of street lamp, and a blurry sign.

Key Details

• Bridge: Cable-stayed bridge design.
• Vegetation: Palm trees suggesting a tropical or subtropical climate.
• Text: Partially visible text on a nearby shop.

Step 2: Refining the Search

Using reverse image search engines, we focused on the bridge. The design closely matched the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, India. However, the angle was slightly different.

Trying another reverse search on the street lamp led us to a few possible locations in Southeast Asia.

Finally, checking the text "Cafe..." led us to search for cafes near famous bridges.

Step 3: Pinpointing the Location

After narrowing it down via Google Maps and Street View, we found the exact spot. It was indeed a location in Goa, near the Mandovi River bridge (Atal Setu).

Wait, upon closer inspection of the bridge's pylon structure in the high-res version, it was identified as the Signature Bridge in New Delhi.

But the real answer was hidden in the EXIF data all along! just kidding. The EXIF was stripped.

Re-evaluating the "Cafe..." sign, it read "Dilli Haat".

Location: Near Signature Bridge, Wazirabad, data-center Delhi.

Final Coordinates

We submitted the coordinates of the viewing deck.

28.7460° N, 77.2285° E

Flag: HackHaul{Wazirabad_Signature_Bridge_View}