These kids were coached on a “replica” system. There are plenty of ready made tools out there that will autohack using known exploits in web servers so all these replicas had to do was run the cracked version of the web servers.
Or in more simpler language - they taught the kids to lock pick using an older lock and claimed that because the government uses similar locks that government agencies is stupid.
While that’s a true statement in general it doesn’t mean that hacking the web servers is child’s play. It’s a constant challenge even for the most experienced pros to keep ahead of the exploits and harden any system on the internet. Just ask the DNC.
My special needs son who doesn’t communicate much was able to be thrown out of Disney’s former ‘multiplayer” online game Toontown At age 7!!! I got the nasty letter telling the parents what he was up to, and I admit to nearly bursting with pride!!! He was a tiny little boy behind in every milestone and here he had found what he called a “glitch” in the game, found out how to make your character fly, and was teaching other kids how!!! He had groups of kids from all over the world “flying into the air” above the game’s village.
He was failing IQ tests at the time, showing up intellectually impaired. He does have deficits, but he has some gifts too! (later, in Club Penguin, he found out how to get all the moneys and buy all the stuff. His igloo looked like apts I have seen in bad neighborhoods, stuffed to the ceiling with ill gotten electronics. I admit also to being a little proud. He really does have morals and is a good kid but .... )