🕶️ Shadow Terminal

A full-stack hacker simulation game where players infiltrate systems, complete missions, and climb ranks.

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🚀 Live Demo

https://shadow-terminal-production.up.railway.app/

🧠 Overview

Shadow Terminal is an interactive terminal-based hacking simulation built with a secure backend-driven architecture.

Players progress through missions like:

• Reconnaissance
• SSH Infiltration
• Privilege Escalation
• Data Extraction
• Covering Tracks

All commands are validated on the server-side, preventing cheating and ensuring realistic gameplay.

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⚙️ Tech Stack

• Backend: Node.js, Express
• Database: SQLite
• Auth: JWT (httpOnly cookies), bcrypt
• Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Security: Helmet, Rate Limiting

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✨ Features

• 🎯 5 Mission storyline with multiple objectives
• 🧪 Realistic terminal command simulation
• 🔐 Secure authentication system
• 📈 XP, Level, and Score tracking
• 🏆 Global leaderboard
• ⏱️ Server-controlled timer (anti-cheat)
• 💾 Session persistence

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🏗️ Architecture

Client (UI) → API → Server Logic → Database

• Frontend = UI only (no answers exposed)
• Backend = all validation, logic, scoring
• Secure design prevents client-side manipulation

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📂 Project Structure

Shadow-Terminal/
├── server.js
├── missions.js (hidden)
├── db.js
├── auth.js
├── middleware.js
└── public/
    └── index.html

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🛠️ Installation

git clone <repo-url>
cd Shadow-Terminal
npm install
npm start

Open: http://localhost:3000

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🔐 Security Highlights

• Server-side game logic (no client leaks)
• JWT stored in httpOnly cookies
• Rate limiting on commands & auth
• Input sanitization
• No eval usage

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🧩 Future Enhancements

• Multiplayer hacking battles
• Real CTF-style challenges
• Advanced exploit chains
• Dark mode themes & UI upgrades

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