How to Download and Install Kali Linux, Metasploitable 2, Ubunto on VMware

Want to set up a hacking lab? You’ll need Kali Linux, Metasploitable 2, and Ubuntu running on VMware. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow along.

What You’ll Need

• VMware Workstation or VMware Player
• Kali Linux ISO
• Metasploitable 2 OVA
• Ubuntu ISO
• A computer with enough storage and RAM

Step 1: Download the Files

Head to these websites and grab the files:

• Kali Linux
• Metasploitable 2
• Ubuntu
• VMware

Once downloaded, it’s time to install VMware.

Step 2: Install VMware

1. Open the VMware installer.
2. Follow the installation steps (just click “Next”).
3. Launch VMware when done.

Step 3: Install Kali Linux

Kali is a powerful penetration testing OS. Time to install it!

1. Click “Create a New Virtual Machine” in VMware.
2. Select “Typical” and click “Next”.
3. Choose “Use ISO image” and browse for the Kali Linux ISO file.
4. Set a name (e.g., Kali-VM) and pick a location.
5. Allocate at least 20GB of disk space.
6. Give it 2GB+ RAM for better performance.
7. Click “Finish” and start the VM.

Follow the Kali installation steps inside the VM, setting up username and password.

Step 4: Install Metasploitable 2

Metasploitable 2 is a vulnerable machine, perfect for testing exploits.

1. Open VMware.
2. Click “Open a Virtual Machine”.
3. Select the Metasploitable 2 OVA file.
4. Click “Import” and let it finish.
5. Start the VM.

Once it boots, log in with:

• Username: msfadmin
• Password: msfadmin

And that’s it! Your vulnerable machine is ready for pen-testing.

Step 5: Install Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a user-friendly Linux distro, perfect for practice.

1. Click “Create a New Virtual Machine” in VMware.
2. Select “Use ISO image” and browse for the Ubuntu ISO.
3. Name your VM (e.g., Ubuntu-VM).
4. Set disk space (at least 25GB).
5. Give it 2GB+ RAM for smooth performance.
6. Click “Finish” and start the VM.

Just follow the on-screen Ubuntu installation steps.

Final Setup and Networking

For a proper lab, all VMs should talk to each other.

1. Go to VMware settings for each VM.
2. Set them all to “Bridged” or “Host-only” networking.
3. Start all VMs and test connectivity using ping.

Conclusion

You did it! Now you have a full hacking lab with Kali Linux, Metasploitable 2, and Ubuntu on VMware. Time to practice ethical hacking!