Great box, slightly CTF-y though. Thank you @clubby789
Foothold: Rather than going with your traditional tools, I suggest finding the file manually. In the file, look for something that could get you in.
User: I felt this was pretty straightforward, enough hints hereon the thread.
Root: Did it the unintended way first (because duh), but then later did it the intended way. It’s pretty easy, don’t go down rabbit holes.
Feel free to PM me if you need a nudge.