Best applications for the operating system Kali Linux (formerly BackTrack)

TopLinux

Introduction

Kali Linux formerly known as BackTrack is the ultimate operating system for security professionals and ethical hackers. It is a Debian based distribution that ships with hundreds of pen testing utilities. Every tool is finely tuned for maximum performance in tasks such as network analysis, vulnerability assessment and digital forensics. This article explores the most remarkable applications that bring Kali Linux to life, delivering deluxe capabilities for every stage of a security audit.

Essential Security Applications

  1. Metasploit Framework
  2. Nmap
  3. Wireshark
  4. Aircrack-ng
  5. Burp Suite Community Edition
  6. John the Ripper
  7. Hashcat
  8. Hydra
  9. OpenVAS
  10. BeEF

Comparative Overview

Application Category Key Features
Metasploit Framework Exploitation Modular architecture, extensive module library, scripting API
Nmap Port Scanning Ping sweep, version detection, OS fingerprinting
Wireshark Packet Analysis Protocol decoding, live capture, rich filtering
Aircrack-ng Wireless Security WEP WPS WPA cracking, injection support, replay attacks
Burp Suite Web Proxy Interceptor, scanner, repeater, extension support
John the Ripper Password Cracker Wordlist based, rule based, incremental modes
Hashcat GPU Cracking Multi GPU support, mask attacks, hybrid attacks
Hydra Brute Force Parallelized, protocol support, flexible input
OpenVAS Vulnerability Scanner Full database, scheduling, reporting
BeEF Browser Exploitation Hooking framework, module library, real time control

In Depth Application Profiles

Metasploit Framework

Overview

The Metasploit Framework is a versatile platform for developing and executing exploit code against remote targets. It features a modular design that allows seamless integration of new payloads and exploits.

Highlights

  • Exploit Library contains hundreds of up to date modules
  • Meterpreter dynamic payload for stealthy post exploitation
  • Automation API for custom workflows and continuous integration

Nmap

Overview

Nmap is the gold standard for network discovery and security auditing. Its versatile scanning engine can map large networks rapidly and accurately.

Highlights

  • Host Discovery identify live systems with ICMP echo and SYN scans
  • Port Scanning TCP SYN, UDP, SCTP and specialized scans
  • OS Fingerprinting classify operating systems with high confidence

Wireshark

Overview

Wireshark offers a luxurious packet analysis experience with deep inspection of hundreds of protocols. Its intuitive GUI empowers analysts to drill down into packet details in real time.

Highlights

  • Live Capture monitor network traffic as it happens
  • Display Filters powerful syntax for isolating packets of interest
  • Decryption support for TLS WEP WPA SSH IPsec and more

Aircrack-ng

Overview

Aircrack-ng is a suite dedicated to assessing wireless network security. From monitoring to key cracking, it delivers end to end capabilities on par with professional gear.

Highlights

  • Packet Capture inject and capture packets with specialized drivers
  • Key Cracking implement advanced statistical attacks on WEP and WPA
  • Replay Attacks unleash deauthentication and fragmentation techniques

Burp Suite Community Edition

Overview

Burp Suite provides a polished set of tools for web application security testing. Although the free edition lacks some automation it remains extremely powerful for manual testing.

Highlights

  • Intercepting Proxy modify requests and responses on the fly
  • Repeater experiment with request variants
  • Extender integrate community built plugins

John the Ripper

Overview

John the Ripper is a fast password cracker supporting multiple cipher formats. Its flexible rule engine makes it ideal for offline recovery of hashed credentials.

Highlights

  • Hybrid Modes combine wordlist and brute force
  • Incremental systematic exploration of keyspace
  • Custom Rules craft targeted guessing strategies

Hashcat

Overview

Hashcat leverages GPU acceleration to crack hashes at blistering speeds. It supports a vast array of algorithms from MD5 to bcrypt making it indispensable in a pentesters arsenal.

Highlights

  • Multi GPU scale performance across cards
  • Mask Attacks define dynamic patterns for targeted cracking
  • Hybrid Attacks merge dictionary and brute force methods

Hydra

Overview

Hydra is a high performance network login cracker. It excels at parallelized attacks against dozens of protocols including ftp ssh http smtp and more.

Highlights

  • Protocol Support extensive list including smb vnc mysql
  • Parallel Threads configure concurrent attempts for speed
  • Flexible Input read credentials from files or pipes

OpenVAS

Overview

OpenVAS is a full featured vulnerability scanner with a constantly updated feed of tests. It scales from single host to enterprise wide assessments.

Highlights

  • Plugin Feed thousands of vulnerability checks
  • Task Scheduler automate scans during off peak hours
  • Reporting generate detailed reports in multiple formats

BeEF

Overview

The Browser Exploitation Framework leverages browser vulnerabilities to establish a strong foothold in a target environment. It is perfect for social engineering and client side attacks.

Highlights

  • Hooking inject javascript to control victims browser
  • Module Library dozens of advanced exploitation modules
  • Command and Control real time interaction with hooked browsers

Conclusion

Kali Linux is a powerhouse because of its curated selection of top tier security applications. This luxurious suite empowers professionals with everything needed for reconnaissance, exploitation and post exploitation tasks. Master these tools to deliver world class assessments and maintain the highest level of digital security.

Official website of Kali Linux (formerly BackTrack)

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