The Kali NetHunter project is the first Open-source Android penetration testing platform for Android devices, allowing for access to the Kali toolset from various supported Android devices. There are multiple unique features not possible on other hardware platforms.
The Kali NetHunter interface allows you to easily work with complex configuration files through a local web interface. This feature, together with a custom kernel that supports 802.11 wireless injection and preconfigured connect back VPN services, make the Kali NetHunter a formidable network security tool or discrete drop box - with Kali Linux at the tip of your fingers wherever you are!
Kali Nethunter Editions
- Kali Nethunter Rooted
- Kali Nethunter non-Rooted
NetHunter Supported Devices and ROMs
NetHunter Lite can be installed on all Android devices that are rooted and have a custom recovery. The full NetHunter experience requires a devices specific kernel that has been purpose built for Kali NetHunter. The NetHunter GitLab repository contains over 164 kernels for over 65 devices. Kali Linux publishes over 25 images for the most popular devices on the NetHunter download page.
Downloading Nethunter
Official release NetHunter images for your specific supported device can be download from the Offensive Security NetHunter project page located at the following URL:
Once the zip file has downloaded, verify the SHA256 sum of the NetHunter zip image against the values on the Offensive Security NetHunter download page. If the SHA256 sums do not match, do not attempt to continue with the installation procedure.
Installing NetHunter on top of Android
Now that you’ve either downloaded a NetHunter image or built one yourself, the next steps are to prepare your Android device and then install the image. “Preparing your Android device” includes:
- unlocking your device and updating it to stock AOSP or LineageOS (CM). (Check supported roms section)
- installing Team Win Recovery Project as a custom recovery.
- installing Magisk to root the device
- disabling force encryption may be required if TWRP cannot access the data partition
- Once you have a custom recovery, all that remains is to flash the NetHunter installer zip file onto your Android device.
Post Installation Setup
- Open the NetHunter App and start the Kali Chroot Manager.
- Install the Hacker Keyboard from the NetHunter Store using the NetHunter Store app.
- Install any other apps from the NetHunter Store as required.
- Configure Kali Services, such as SSH.
- Set up custom commands.
- Initialize the Exploit-Database.