You Can Hack With Your Android – Understanding Kali Nethunter

kali nethunter
Kali Linux NetHunter is a popular software that allows users to perform penetration testing on Android smartphones. NetHunter is an open-source project, meaning that developers can use it freely without worrying about copyright infringement or threats. NetHunter gives users access to the Kali toolkit on compatible Android devices and enables penetration testing. The software also provides capabilities that are not available on other hardware platforms, making it a unique and useful tool for testing networks and security.
 
One of NetHunter’s most useful features is its local web interface, which makes complicated configuration files easy to work with. NetHunter also provides modified kernels to handle wireless injections and a preconfigured VPN service for added protection while testing networks. Furthermore, it has a Dropbox feature that allows users to download and use Kali Linux on demand.
 

What Are the Different Versions of NetHunter?

In Kali NetHunter, there are three versions available. 
  • NetHunter Rootless: This is the core application available for all devices that are not rooted/modified.
  • NetHunter Lite: This advanced package is designed for rooted devices running the stock device kernel.
  • NetHunter: This is the complete NetHunter framework with custom kernels for specific supported devices.
 

How Does Kali NetHunter Work?

In order to understand how Kali NetHunter operates, you will need to familiarize yourself with its three essential components: a modified Android kernel, a Kali Linux chroot, and a NetHunter Android app. First, the modified Android kernel provides access to the Kali Linux toolkit. It also enables penetration testing on compatible Android devices. Second, the Kali Linux chroot is an installation of Kali Linux that allows it to share network, storage, and other resources with Android. Finally, the NetHunter Android app serves as a user interface that simplifies the user’s tasks. Through the app, one can control the Kali Linux chroot. Knowing these components is crucial to understanding how Kali NetHunter works. You will now take an in-depth look at each of them to further explore Kali NetHunter.
 
Custom Android Kernel

A custom Android kernel enhances the device’s capabilities by enabling it to meet users’ wants and needs. It links applications to hardware, facilitates communication, and manages system resources. Despite providing the fundamental requirements, the default Android kernel lacks some utilities required for security and exploitation. However, with a custom Android kernel, one can add specialized features not accessible in stock kernels.

 
Kali Chroot

A Kali Linux installation in a chroot environment shares network, storage, and other resources with Android. The Kali Linux chroot is the core component of NetHunter, and its configuration settings have been optimized to function efficiently with the Android ecosystem. NetHunter provides a chroot manager to streamline the process of downloading and installing the chroot. The installation component is stored in an internal app storage region, and it requires sufficient space for the process.

 
Nethunter Android App

The NetHunter Android app is the last component of the NetHunter framework, providing a user interface to simplify the user’s tasks. This program’s straightforward interface enables the control of the Kali Linux chroot. While it may have a simple UI, it is still highly capable and contains all the necessary configuration files for NetHunter. The app is transferred to the SD card during the first run and serves as a bootup service, enabling the service to activate when the device boots up.

 

Kali NetHunter Features and Attacks

Features
  • NetHunter Android app: The program that provides a user interface to simplify the user’s tasks
  • NMAP: Nmap scanner interface
  • MAC Changer: Allows the user to alter the Wi-Fi mac address
  • Custom Commands: This allows users to add custom functions and commands to the launcher
  • KeX Manager: Allows for quick VNC session setup using the Kali chroot
  • Metasploit Payload Generator: Creates Metasploit payloads on the fly
  • Home Screen: This is the general info panel, Hidden Input Device (HID) device status, and network interface status
  • Kali Chroot: Controls the installation of the chroot meta-package
  • MITM Framework: Inserts backdoor binaries into executables when they are downloaded
  • USB Arsenal: Manages all USB configuration devices
  • Mana Wireless Toolkit: Deploys malicious APs (Access Points) with a single click
Attacks:
  • Searchsploit: Allows users to search for exploits in the exploit database swiftly
  • Nmap: Executes a port scan to identify open ports
  • DuckHunter HID: Executes rubber ducky-style HID attacks
  • Mac Changer: Allows the user to change their Wi-Fi MAC address
  • Custom Commands: Allows users to add custom functions and commands to the launcher
Kali NetHunter is a powerful tool for performing advanced security and penetration testing on mobile devices. With its wide range of features and attacks, Kali NetHunter is a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts in the security industry.
 

Installing Kali NetHunter

In order to install Kali NetHunter on your Android smartphone or tablet, follow these steps:
1. Check if your device is supported by visiting this website.
2. Download the Kali NetHunter ROM version that corresponds to the Android version on your device from the Offensive Security website.
3. Put your device in developer mode by following these steps:
  • Go to Settings > About and tap on the Build number seven times, continuously.
  • Go back to the main settings and go into Developer options.
  • Enable both Advanced Reboot and Android Debugging.
4. For Android 9, 10, or 11, flash the Universal DM-Verity, ForceEncrypt, Disk Quota Disabler.
5. Transfer the NetHunter image to your device.
6. Reboot into Recovery mode and flash the NetHunter zip file you downloaded.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to install Kali NetHunter on your Android device and start using its advanced security and penetration testing features.
 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Kali NetHunter

Advantages
In the original Android kernels that run on smartphones, there are certain features that are not included by default, such as monitor support enabled on Qualcomm chips in Snapdragon system-on-chips (SoCs).
 
Kali NetHunter provides its own custom kernel that allows for the creation of kernels that are not yet available to the public, making it easier for developers to build them. GitLab CI, a continuous integration and continuous delivery platform, speeds up the release timelines by automating the process of integrating code changes, testing, and delivering the code to production.
 
Additionally, Kali NetHunter fully supports the Human Interface Device hardware, but it must be enabled and configured through userspace controls. This means that users can modify the keyboard, touchpad, and touchscreen settings as needed, even if they are not available as default features in the original kernels of Android phones.
 
Disadvantages
In its official release, Kali NetHunter does not support all Android phones, so be mindful of which version you download and run. Because not all internal Wi-Fi systems support monitor mode or data packet injection, an external USB WiFi adapter may be required. With that in mind, this tutorial on Kali NetHunter has come to an end.
 

FAQ’s

What is Kali NetHunter?
This is a mobile penetration testing and hacking app that allows users to run penetration testing tools on their Android device. It provides access to over 80 tools and allows users to create custom payloads for use in malicious attacks.
 
Is Kali NetHunter legal?

While the use of Kali NetHunter is not necessarily illegal, the app allows users to perform certain actions that are illegal in most countries. Therefore, users should be aware of their local laws and regulations regarding the use of penetration testing and hacking tools before using the app.

What are the system requirements for Kali NetHunter?

To install and run Kali NetHunter, users need an Android device running version 4.1 or higher, with at least 1 GB of RAM and 1 GB of storage space available. The app also requires the user to root their device, which can void warranties or cause damage to the device if not done correctly.

How do I use Kali NetHunter for penetration testing?

Kali NetHunter provides several pre-packaged tools that can be used for penetration testing, including scanners, brute-force tools, and remote access tools. Users can also create their own custom payloads to use in attacks, such as rubber ducky scripts or reverse shells.

Is Kali NetHunter open source?
Yes, this is an open source project, meaning its source code is publicly available for anyone to view and modify. This allows users and developers to contribute to the project and improve the app over time.


Image by frimufilms on Freepik

 

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