Many people suggest using VMware or VirtualBox when it comes to virtualizing Kali Linux, but if you have a copy of linux you can just use KVM and avoid the extra-”bloatware”.
Requirements:
- Manjaro OS (or similar Arch Build)
- Copy Kali Linux ISO
- Virtualization enabled CPU
Note: this walkthrough is for Manjaro so some initial setup may be different for Distros based on anything other than Arch Linux.
First step: Checks and Install
Run the command: “LC_ALL=C lscpu | grep Virtualization” this should give the following prompt:
If you see Virtualization: AMD-V / VT-x or Intel appropriate label. Next run “zgrep CONFIG_KVM /proc/config.gz” to check your kernel can support the virtualization.
Now install the dependencies for KVM to run using: “sudo pacman -S virt-manager qemu vde2 ebtables dnsmasq bridge-utils openbsd-netcat”
2) Setup KVM Services & Conf file
Simply run:
“sudo systemctl enable libvirtd.service”
“sudo systemctl start libvirtd.service”
Then:
“sudo nano /etc/libvirt/libvirtd.conf”
Now uncomment the follow 2 lines:
#unix_sock_group = “libvirt”
#unix_sock_ro_perms = “0777”
Finally download your Kali Install ISO and run virtual manger.
3) Installing Kali Linux on KVM
After starting Virtual Manage it will prompt you for your sudo password, enter your password and click the + icon in the top left.
Select “Local install media” and click next, find your Kali ISO and untick the Automatically detect OS option and choose Debian 10.
Allocate the amount of memory and CPUs you want to use for the virtual machine, in my case I selected 8GB and 6 CPUs.
On the next page just select the amount of space you wish to use for your new Kali VM, click next and then click next again unless you wish to add your own custom networking.
Once finished you can just continue your Kali installation as normal using guided installation.
Hope this helps guys. Peace.
