Setting Up Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi: A Comprehensive Guide

May 28, 2024

Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing. Developed by Offensive Security, Kali Linux is widely used by security professionals and ethical hackers for various security tasks.

Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi is a powerful combination for those interested in cybersecurity, offering a portable and cost-effective platform for penetration testing and security research.

Key Features of Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi

• Portable Penetration Testing Platform
  The Raspberry Pi is small, lightweight, and easy to carry, making it an excellent portable device for on-the-go security assessments.
• Comprehensive Security Toolset:
  Kali Linux on Rasperry Pi comes pre-installed with hundreds of penetration testing and security tools, including Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, Aircrack-ng, Burp Suite, and many more.
• Customizability and Flexibility:
  Users can install additional tools and customize their Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi setup according to their specific needs and preferences.
• Cost-Effective Solution:
  Running Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi is significantly cheaper than using a full-sized laptop or desktop, making it accessible to a wider audience.
• Community and Documentation:
  Kali Linux has a strong community and extensive documentation, providing support and resources for both beginners and experienced users.
• Support for Various Raspberry Pi Models:
  Kali Linux supports multiple models of the Raspberry Pi, including the Raspberry Pi 2, 3, 4, 5, and Zero W, although the performance will vary depending on the model used.
  
  Optimized Performance:
  The Kali Linux ARM images are optimized for performance on the Raspberry Pi, ensuring smooth operation of the security tools.

Uses Cases with Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi

• Network Scanning and Security Auditing: Tools like Nmap and Wireshark can be used to scan and analyze networks for vulnerabilities.
• Wireless Network Testing: Tools such as Aircrack-ng suite allow you to test the security of Wi-Fi networks.
• Password Cracking: Tools like John the Ripper and Hashcat can be used for password recovery and cracking.
• Vulnerability Exploitation: The Metasploit Framework allows users to exploit known vulnerabilities in systems and applications.
• Digital Forensics: Kali Linux includes tools for forensic analysis of digital devices and data recovery.
• Learning and Education: Ideal for students and professionals to learn about cybersecurity and practice their skills in a controlled environment.
  

Requeriments

• Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi 5 for better performance.
• Power Supply: A reliable power source for the Raspberry Pi.
• Network Connectivity: Ethernet and Wi-Fi USB second adapter por Wireless Scanning.
• MicroSD Card: Preferably a high-speed card (32GB or more).

Installation Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi

Step-by-step

• Download and install Raspberry Pi Imager to a computer with an SD card reader. Put the SD card that you will use with your Raspberry Pi into the reader and launch Raspberry Pi Imager. 2.Select the Raspberry Pi Device.
• Select the Raspberry Pi Device.

3.Select the Operation System. We can found Kali Linux for Raspberry Pi in Choose the OS: Other general-purpose

4.Power Up the Raspberry Pi. Turn on the Raspberry Pi. It will boot directly into the Kali Linux OS

Login with default username is kali and the password is kali. IMPORTANT: Change this password. Open terminal an run:

passwd

1.Install Additional Tools: Kali Linux comes pre-installed with many security tools

sudo apt install <tool-name>
example: sudo apt install -y kali-tools-passwords

You can install more as needed.
Start using the included tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, etc.

Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi offers several metapackages to streamline the installation of various tools and functionalities, tailored to different use cases. When deploying Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi, we can leverage these metapackages to customize your setup according to your specific needs.

kali-linux-default: It covers a wide range of penetration testing tools, including information gathering, vulnerability analysis, and exploitation tools.

kali-linux-top10: Top 10 tools recommended with essential tools.

kali-linux-all: All suite of tools

kali-linux-wireless: specifically used for wireless network analysis and penetration testing

kali-linux-forensic: Designed for digital forensics and incident response, including tools for data recovery, analysis, and forensics.

kali-linux-web: Tools commonly used for web application security testing

kali-linux-sdr: For tasks such as signal analysis and capturing radio frequencies

kali-tools-information-gathering: Focused on tools used for information gathering, useful for initial stages of penetration testing and reconnaissance

kali-tools-passwords: Tools for password attacks, including brute-force attacks and password recovery

Example Packet Analayzer MQTT protocol

To set up a packet analyzer for the MQTT protocol on Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi, you can use tools like Wireshark or tcpdump.

1. Install Wireshark

sudo apt install -y wireshark

First, make sure the system is up to date and install Wireshark:

During the installation, we might be prompted to allow non-superusers to capture packets. Choose 'Yes' to enable this.

2.Start Capturing Packets

To capture packets with Wireshark, we’ll need to have network traffic passing through your network interface. If you’re capturing traffic from a specific MQTT broker or device, ensure they are communicating over the network.

wireshark &

Start Wireshark from the terminal or by finding it in the application menu:

3.Select the Network Interface

Choose the appropriate network interface from the list (e.g., `eth0` for wired Ethernet, `wlan0` for Wi-Fi).

4.Apply a Capture Filter (optional)

You can use capture filters to limit the data captured. For MQTT traffic, which typically uses TCP port 1883, you can use the following filter:

tcp port 1883

5.Analyze MQTT Packets

Once you start capturing, you’ll see a stream of packets. To analyze MQTT packets

6.Apply a Display Filter:

Use Wireshark’s display filter to focus on MQTT traffic:
mqtt

This filter will display only MQTT protocol packets.

7.Inspect Packets:

Click on individual packets to inspect their details. You can see the MQTT packet structure, including the fixed header, variable header, and payload.

Connect Packet: Sent by a client to establish a connection to an MQTT broker.
Publish Packet: Contains the actual message content sent from a client to the broker.
Subscribe Packet: Used by clients to subscribe to topics.
Unsubscribe Packet: Used by clients to unsubscribe from topics.
Ping Request/Response: Keeps the connection alive.
Disconnect Packet: Sent by a client to disconnect gracefully from the broker.

Conclusion

Kali Linux Raspberry Pi, this combination is suitable for network scanning, wireless testing, password cracking, vulnerability exploitation, digital forensics, and cybersecurity education. By setting up Kali Linux on a Raspberry Pi, users gain a versatile and powerful tool for both professional security tasks and educational purposes.

Kali Linux has a strong community and extensive documentation, providing support and resources for both beginners and experienced users.