The majority of you are probably familiar with Kali Linux, which is an operating system designed specifically for ethical hackers and packed with the appropriate tools and scripts. Since the beginning of this century, those who work in the field of cybersecurity have relied on the Debian-based operating system as a reliable partner. But since not everyone has the computer power required to operate their own instance of Kali Linux, Kali Nethunter was created to fill the gap in the market. The functionality of Kali Nethunter, as well as the differences between its several versions, will be covered in this lesson.
What is Kali NetHunter?
Kali Linux NetHunter is the first framework specifically designed to test for vulnerabilities in Android mobile devices. Due to the fact that NetHunter is an open-source project, its usage by programmers is not restricted for fear of copyright violations or other legal complications. This project makes the kali toolkit available for penetration testing on Android devices that are compatible with it. More than that, Kali NetHunter offers a number of advantages that are absent on any other hardware system.
Users may access and modify complex configuration files with ease using the NetHunter interface through a local web interface. In addition to this feature, you also have access to a dedicated dropbox stocked with Kali Linux and customized kernels that manage 802.11 wireless injectors and securely connect preconfigured VPN service, making for a significant advancement in network security.
The Kali NetHunter framework comes in a few different flavors. Upon reading this, you will have a firm grasp of the distinctions between them.
What Are the Differences Between the Different Versions of the NetHunter Program?
Generally speaking, you may choose between three distinct Kali NetHunter framework releases.
NetHunter Rootless: This version makes the core program accessible on any devices that have not been rooted or changed.
Nethunter Lite: It is a sophisticated package designed for rooted devices that are currently running the standard device kernel.
Nethunter: It is an all-inclusive version of the NetHunter framework that has specialized kernels for each supported device.
Explain the inner workings of Kali NetHunter.
You are going to investigate the many NetHunter components, which serve as the fundamental building blocks for the overall functioning of NetHunter. The ROM of the NetHunter is made up of a number of different components, all of which are able to interact with one another and are dependent on one another for successful operation. You are going to have a look at the three parts that make up NetHunter in the next section. The first component is an altered version of the Android Kernel, the second is a Chroot environment created using Kali Linux, and the third and final component is an application for Android devices developed by NetHunter. In order to get a complete comprehension of NetHunter’s methodology, you will now investigate each of these components in great detail.
Custom Android Kernel: A kernel is a component of a system that enables programs to connect to hardware in order to fulfil the requirements of individual users. In addition to easing communication, the Kernel is responsible for managing all of the system’s resources. Now, the kernels that come pre-installed with Android do not include all of the tools necessary for security and exploitation. Nevertheless, every Android device may be equipped with one-of-a-kind capabilities that are not available in the default kernels by installing a custom kernel.
Kali Chroot: Chroot is basically a complete installation of Kali Linux that enables Android to share a variety of resources, including its network, storage, and other capabilities. It might be said that the Kali Linux chroot is the beating heart of NetHunter. The configuration settings have been modified in order to ensure that NetHunter is compatible with the Android environment without any disruptions. The chroot manager that is included in NetHunter helps to streamline the process of downloading and installing chroot by integrating a variety of services, including network and storage. Because it is kept in an internal app storage area, this component’s space requirements must be satisfied before the installation can proceed.
The Nethunter Android app: It is a piece of software that offers a user interface to the user in order to make their jobs easier. This piece of software offers a user-friendly graphical user interface for operating the Kali Linux chroot environment. The fact that it has a simple user interface does not mean that it is incapable of performing its intended functions. The first copy of this program, which stores all of the configuration files required by NetHunter, is written to the storage device (SD) card when it is initially executed. In addition to the user interface, the application also functions as a bootup service, which enables the service to become active whenever the device is started up.
Now that you’re familiar with the many parts that make up Kali NetHunter, it’s time to go through some of the common attacks that can be executed using this framework.
Components and Attacks of the Kali NetHunter
1. Searchsploit is a tool that enables users to do a quick search for exploits in the exploit database.
2. DuckHunter HID carries out assaults in the form of rubber ducks for HIDs
3. MAC Changer: Enables the user to change the MAC address used by the Wi-Fi network (all devices do not support this feature)
4. The Home Screen is where you’ll find the general information panel, the status of HID devices, and the state of network interfaces.
5. Kali Services: Starts and stops the chrooted services and gives the user the option to activate or disable the services when the system boots up.
6. The On-Demand Metasploit Payload Generator enables the rapid creation of Metasploit payloads.
7. KeX Manager enables a rapid VNC session setup by making use of the Kali chroot environment.
8. Custom Commands: This feature enables users to add their own individualized commands and functionalities to the launcher.
9. Kali Chroot Manager: Manages the chroot meta-package installation process
10. MITM Framework: When executables are downloaded, backdoor programs are inserted into them using this framework.
11. With the Mana Wireless Toolkit, you can install malicious APs (Access points) with only one click.
In this tutorial on ‘what is kali NetHunter,’ you have now studied the most common attacks and functionalities of the NetHunter framework. Congratulations! In the next part, we will examine some of the benefits and drawbacks associated with the use of Kali Nethunter so that everything is clearer.
Comparing the Benefits and Drawbacks of the Kali NetHunter
Advantages
1. NetHunter adds functionality to Android phones’ original kernels that was not there by default when those phones were manufactured.
2. Monitor support is enabled on Qualcomm processors used in Snapdragon system-on-a-chips.
3. The availability of the kernel builder makes the process of creating kernels that are not yet accessible to the general public much simpler.
4. Accelerating release schedules is made possible by the use of GitLab CI.
5. The Human Interface Device hardware is completely supported out of the box, but in order to utilize it, it has to be activated and configured using user space commands.
Disadvantages
1. The official NetHunter release does not provide support for all Android phones; as a result, you should exercise extreme caution while downloading and using these applications, since using the incorrect NetHunter might render the phone inoperable in some scenarios.
2. Due to the fact that certain internal WiFi systems do not permit monitor mode or the injection of data packets, it is possible that an external USB WiFi adapter will be necessary.
Conclusion
This tutorial on “what is kali NetHunter” helped you grasp the significance of this framework by walking you through its many parts, capabilities, and benefits. Although it is designed specifically for ethical hackers, after specialists in this field have earned their ethical hacking certification, they often continue using the more robust Kali Linux.