Kali Linux “NetHunter” Released – Turn Your Android Device into Hacking a Weapon

After making its influence in hacker and securitycircles, Kali Linux has now been published with Kali Nethunter, a version of the security suite forAndroid devices.

The tool is a mobile distribution
designed to compromise systems via USB when
installed and run on an Android phone.

Kali Linux NetHunter project provides much of thepower to Nexus users, those running the NetHunterpenetration testing platform can now launch attacks including Teensy keyboard via HID style attacks
and BadUSB man-in-the-middle (MITM) networkingattacks via USB human interface device (HID),wireless 802.11 frame injection, and could setup evil access points in a single click.

"Our NetHunter images support programmable HID keyboard attacks, (a-la-teensy), as well as
“BadUSB” network attacks, allowing an attacker to
easily MITM an unsuspecting target by simply
connecting their device to a computer USB port, ”
the Offensive Security team said. “ In addition to
these built in features, we’ve got a whole set of
native Kali Linux tools available for use, many of
which are configurable through a simple web
interface. ”
Nethunter is currently available for Nexus devices
only, but builds for other Android devices are likely
on the way. Nethunter contained a full Kali Linux
toolset, including support for self destruction,
software defined radio and the ability to launch a
Kali desktop VNC session on Nexus phone.

The tools are designed for use by an attacker who
has physical access to a device — an insider threat
— or someone who gains access through social
engineering, tailing etc.

On one hand, Teensy Keyboard attacks on PCs can
be used to automatically elevate privileges on a
Windows PC and install a reverse-HTTP tunnel to a
remote workstation. On the other hand, BadUSB can
force a Windows PC to recognize the USB-
connected phone as a network adapter and re-route
all the traffic of the PC through it for monitoring
purposes.

Additionally, the Kali NetHunter configuration
interface helps users to easily manage complex
configuration files through a local web interface,
which together with 802.11 wireless injection and a
pre-configured connect VPN service make it a
“formidable network security tool or discrete drop box– with Kali Linux at the tip of your fingers wherever you are. ”

Kali NetHunter open source security platform supports Nexus 10 and 7 tablets and Nexus 5phones built on the existing Kali (formerlyBacktrack) Linux platform. The official KaliNetHunter images can be downloaded from theOffensive Security NetHunter download page.