Kali Linux Virtual Machine Setup

Summary Overview

Legacy VM build sheet covering virtualization prerequisites, hypervisor settings, and post-install hardening for Kali.

Updated: 2025-11-24
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Kali Linux Virtual Machine Setup Guide

Overview

Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution aimed at advanced penetration testing and security auditing. Setting it up in a virtual machine provides a safe, isolated environment for security research and learning.

Prerequisites

System Requirements

  • RAM: Minimum 4GB (8GB+ recommended)
  • Storage: 20GB+ free disk space
  • Processor: 64-bit processor with virtualization support
  • Host OS: Windows, macOS, or Linux

Required Software

  • Virtualization Platform: VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V
  • Kali Linux ISO: Downloaded from official website

Step 1: Download Kali Linux

Official Download

  1. Visit kali.org
  2. Choose "Virtual Machines" or "Installer Images"
  3. Select your preferred version:
    • Kali Linux 64-bit (recommended)
    • Kali Linux 32-bit (for older systems)

Verify Download Integrity

# Download SHA256 checksums
wget https://kali.org/kali-images/kali-2023.4/SHA256SUMS

# Verify the ISO
sha256sum kali-linux-2023.4-installer-amd64.iso

Step 2: VirtualBox Setup

Install VirtualBox

  1. Download from virtualbox.org
  2. Install VirtualBox and Extension Pack
  3. Enable virtualization in BIOS/UEFI if needed

Create Virtual Machine

  1. Open VirtualBox → Click "New"
  2. Name: Kali Linux
  3. Type: Linux
  4. Version: Debian (64-bit)
  5. Memory: 4096 MB (4GB) or more
  6. Hard Disk: Create a virtual hard disk now

Configure Virtual Hard Disk

  1. File Type: VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)
  2. Storage: Dynamically allocated
  3. Size: 25 GB minimum (50 GB recommended)

VM Settings Configuration

General → Advanced:
- Shared Clipboard: Bidirectional
- Drag'n'Drop: Bidirectional

System → Motherboard:
- Base Memory: 4096 MB+
- Boot Order: Optical, Hard Disk
- Enable I/O APIC: ✓

System → Processor:
- Processors: 2+ CPUs
- Enable PAE/NX: ✓

Display:
- Video Memory: 128 MB
- Enable 3D Acceleration: ✓

Network:
- Adapter 1: NAT (default)
- Or Bridge Adapter for direct network access

Step 3: VMware Workstation Setup

Create New Virtual Machine

  1. File → New Virtual Machine
  2. Configuration: Custom (advanced)
  3. Guest OS: Linux → Debian 11.x 64-bit
  4. Memory: 4 GB minimum
  5. Network: NAT or Bridged
  6. Disk: 25 GB minimum

VMware Optimization Settings

Hardware Settings:
- Memory: 4096 MB+
- Processors: 2 cores
- Hard Disk: 25 GB (thin provisioned)
- Network Adapter: NAT/Bridged
- USB Controller: USB 3.1
- Sound Card: Auto detect

Options:
- Guest OS: Debian 11.x 64-bit
- VMware Tools: Install after OS setup
- Shared Folders: Configure as needed

Step 4: Install Kali Linux

Boot from ISO

  1. Mount ISO: Attach Kali Linux ISO to VM
  2. Start VM: Power on the virtual machine
  3. Boot Menu: Select "Graphical install"

Installation Process

  1. Language: Select your preferred language
  2. Location: Choose your country/timezone
  3. Keyboard: Configure keyboard layout
  4. Network: Configure network settings
    • Hostname: kali (default)
    • Domain: Leave empty or use local domain

User Configuration

Root Account:
- Enable root account: Yes
- Root password: Create strong password

User Account:
- Full name: Your name
- Username: kali (or preferred)
- Password: Strong password

Disk Partitioning

  1. Method: Guided - use entire disk
  2. Disk: Select virtual disk
  3. Scheme: All files in one partition
  4. Confirm: Write changes to disk

Software Selection

Desktop Environment:
- Xfce (lightweight, recommended)
- GNOME (feature-rich, resource-intensive)
- KDE (customizable)

Tools Collection:
- Default: Standard tools
- Full: All penetration testing tools
- Custom: Select specific tool categories

Step 5: Post-Installation Configuration

Update System

# Update package lists
sudo apt update

# Upgrade all packages
sudo apt upgrade -y

# Update Kali tools
sudo apt full-upgrade -y

Install Additional Tools

# Install commonly needed packages
sudo apt install -y curl wget git vim htop

# Install development tools
sudo apt install -y build-essential python3-pip

# Install additional security tools
sudo apt install -y nmap wireshark burpsuite

Configure Network Settings

# Check network interfaces
ip addr show

# Configure static IP (if needed)
sudo nano /etc/network/interfaces

# Example static configuration:
auto eth0
iface eth0 inet static
    address 192.168.1.100
    netmask 255.255.255.0
    gateway 192.168.1.1
    dns-nameservers 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4

Install Guest Additions/VMware Tools

VirtualBox Guest Additions

# Insert Guest Additions CD
# Mount the CD
sudo mkdir /media/cdrom
sudo mount /dev/cdrom /media/cdrom

# Install dependencies
sudo apt install -y dkms build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)

# Run installer
sudo /media/cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

# Reboot
sudo reboot

VMware Tools

# Install open-vm-tools
sudo apt install -y open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop

# Or use VMware Tools installer
# VM → Install VMware Tools
# Mount and run the installer

Step 6: Security Configuration

Enable Firewall

# Install and enable UFW
sudo apt install -y ufw
sudo ufw enable

# Allow SSH (if needed)
sudo ufw allow ssh

# Check status
sudo ufw status

Configure SSH (Optional)

# Install SSH server
sudo apt install -y openssh-server

# Configure SSH
sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

# Recommended settings:
Port 2222
PermitRootLogin no
PasswordAuthentication yes
PubkeyAuthentication yes

# Restart SSH service
sudo systemctl restart ssh

Create Snapshots

  1. VirtualBox: Machine → Take Snapshot
  2. VMware: VM → Snapshot → Take Snapshot
  3. Name: "Fresh Install" or "Base Configuration"
  4. Description: Include date and configuration details

Step 7: Essential Tools and Configuration

Metasploit Framework

# Initialize Metasploit database
sudo msfdb init

# Start Metasploit
msfconsole

# Update Metasploit
sudo msfupdate

Burp Suite Configuration

# Start Burp Suite
burpsuite

# Configure browser proxy:
# Firefox → Settings → Network Settings
# Manual proxy: 127.0.0.1:8080

Wireshark Setup

# Add user to wireshark group
sudo usermod -a -G wireshark $USER

# Logout and login again for changes to take effect

Step 8: Useful VM Management

Backup and Restore

# Export VM (VirtualBox)
VBoxManage export "Kali Linux" --output kali-backup.ova

# Import VM
VBoxManage import kali-backup.ova

Performance Optimization

# Disable unnecessary services
sudo systemctl disable bluetooth
sudo systemctl disable cups

# Clean package cache
sudo apt autoclean
sudo apt autoremove

# Clear system logs
sudo journalctl --vacuum-time=3d

Shared Folders Setup

# VirtualBox shared folders
sudo mkdir /mnt/shared
sudo mount -t vboxsf SharedFolder /mnt/shared

# Make permanent
echo "SharedFolder /mnt/shared vboxsf defaults 0 0" | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

VM Won't Boot

  • Check virtualization is enabled in BIOS
  • Increase allocated RAM
  • Verify ISO integrity

Network Issues

# Restart network service
sudo systemctl restart networking

# Reset network configuration
sudo dhclient -r
sudo dhclient

Performance Issues

  • Increase RAM allocation
  • Enable hardware acceleration
  • Install guest additions/tools
  • Disable visual effects

Display Issues

# Reconfigure display
sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

# Reset to default resolution
xrandr --output Virtual1 --mode 1024x768

Best Practices

Security Considerations

  • Keep VM isolated from production networks
  • Regular snapshots before major changes
  • Use strong passwords
  • Keep system updated
  • Enable firewall
  • Disable unnecessary services

Performance Tips

  • Allocate adequate RAM (4GB minimum)
  • Use SSD storage for host system
  • Enable hardware acceleration
  • Close unnecessary applications on host
  • Regular maintenance and cleanup

Learning Resources

Next Steps

After successful installation:

  1. Take a snapshot of the clean installation
  2. Explore the tools available in Kali Linux
  3. Set up practice labs using VulnHub or similar platforms
  4. Learn ethical hacking through structured courses
  5. Join security communities for knowledge sharing

Remember: Use Kali Linux responsibly and only on systems you own or have explicit permission to test!