kali-linux
Kali-linux(https://github.com/linuxserver/docker-kali-linux) - is an Advanced Penetration Testing Linux distribution used for Penetration Testing, Ethical…
Platform availability
Available on 2 of 6 install platforms
Also on Docker Hub and GitHub
Health score
73/100 Good
- Maintained
- 100last commit 7 days ago
- Popular
- 3665 GitHub stars
- Easy to install
- 452 install platforms, install notes, Docker image
- Light to run
- 100128 MB minimum RAM, runs on ARM
How is this calculated?
A 0-100 score computed nightly from four factors: maintained (40%: recent commits and steady activity), popular (25%: GitHub stars, log scale), easy to install (20%: platforms, install notes, setup guides, Docker image) and light to run (15%: minimum RAM, ARM support). Factors without data are left out and the rest are rescaled.
Availability: platform listings confirmed today
- GitHub stars
- 65
- Open issues
- 0
- Last commit
- 2026-09-28
- Latest release
- cafeb949-ls130
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Activity
- rising
Checked 7 days ago - source: GitHub (linuxserver/docker-kali-linux)
Resources & Compatibility
Minimum requirements: 128 MB RAM. ARM (e.g. Raspberry Pi) is supported.
Checked 7 days ago - source: Docker Hub image tags and published docs
First-install notes
- Set up GVM with gvm-setup Run gvm-setup the first time so it starts GVM (Greenbone vulnerability tools), creates the trust files and data store it needs, and updates its vulnerability feeds. Without this, GVM may fail to start or use outdated scan data. source
- Start Gophish and use the default login Run gophish-start to open Gophish's web page and see the first login: admin / kali-gophish. Without it, you may not know the web address or how to log in. source
- Confirm the Veil installer When the Veil installer asks whether to continue, answer yes (or silent to avoid prompts). Choosing no stops the installation, so Veil will not be ready to use. source
Fetched 7 days ago - each note links to its source
Variants
Alternatives (4)
- BlackArch - BlackArch Linux is an Small Arch Linux iconArch Linux -based distribution for penetration testers and security researchers.
- Parrot Security OS - Parrot is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian Testing and designed with Security, Development, and Privacy in mind.
- Tails - Tails is a Debian based live CD/USB with the goal of providing complete Internet anonymity for the user.
- Wifislax - Wifislax is a GNU / Linux LiveCD and LiveUSB features conceived and designed for security auditing and related to computer security in gene…
Checked 7 days ago - source: AlternativeTo
Common questions
Do I need to initialize GVM before using it?
Run gvm-setup the first time so it starts GVM, creates the trust files and data store, and updates its vulnerability feeds. Without this, GVM may fail to start or use outdated scan data.
How do I open Gophish and find the first login?
Run gophish-start to open Gophish's web page and see the first login: admin / kali-gophish. Without it, you may not know the web address or how to log in.
What should I answer in the Veil installer prompt?
When the Veil installer asks whether to continue, answer yes or silent to avoid prompts. Choosing no stops the installation, so Veil will not be ready to use.
How often is the linuxserver Kali container updated?
It receives regular and timely application updates plus regular security updates. The base OS gets weekly updates with common layers across the LinuxServer.io ecosystem.
Can I map the container user to my host user?
The container supports easy user mappings using PUID and PGID.
Answers sourced from github.com, www.kali.org, www.kali.org, www.kali.org
Community
- Kali Linux Community - Reddit (reddit)
- index - Kalilinux - Reddit (reddit)
- Top 4 Kali Linux Forums in 2026 (forum)
Collected yesterday - public community threads