What are metapackages

Metapackages are used to install many packages at one time, created as a list of dependencies on other packages. Kali Linux uses these in a few ways. One way is allowing users to decide how many packages out of the total Kali list they would like to install. Need just enough to use Linux? Want enough to conduct Pentests? Perhaps nearly every package available in Kali?

To install a metapackage we first need to update and then install the desired package:

kali@kali:~$ sudo apt update
kali@kali:~$
kali@kali:~$ sudo apt install -y kali-linux-default
kali@kali:~$

System

• kali-linux-core: Base Kali Linux System – core items that are always included
• kali-linux-headless: Default install that doesn’t require GUI
• kali-linux-default: “Default” desktop (amd64/i386) images include these tools
• kali-linux-arm: All tools suitable for ARM devices
• kali-linux-nethunter: Tools used as part of Kali NetHunter

Desktop environments/Window managers

• kali-desktop-core: Any key tools required for a GUI image
• kali-desktop-e17: Enlightenment (WM)
• kali-desktop-gnome: GNOME (DE)
• kali-desktop-i3: i3 (WM)
• kali-desktop-kde: KDE (DE)
• kali-desktop-lxde: LXDE (WM)
• kali-desktop-mate: MATE (DE)
• kali-desktop-xfce: Xfce (WM)

Tools

• kali-tools-gpu: Tools which benefit from having access to GPU hardware
• kali-tools-hardware: Hardware hacking tools
• kali-tools-crypto-stego: Tools based around Cryptography & Steganography
• kali-tools-fuzzing: For fuzzing protocols
• kali-tools-802-11: 802.11 (Commonly known as “Wi-Fi”)
• kali-tools-bluetooth: For targeting Bluetooth devices
• kali-tools-rfid: Radio-Frequency IDentification tools
• kali-tools-sdr: Software-Defined Radio tools
• kali-tools-voip: Voice over IP tools
• kali-tools-windows-resources: Any resources which can be executed on a Windows hosts

Menu

• kali-tools-information-gathering: Used for Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) & information gathering
• kali-tools-vulnerability: Vulnerability assessments tools
• kali-tools-web: Designed doing web applications attacks
• kali-tools-database: Based around any database attacks
• kali-tools-passwords: Helpful for password cracking attacks – Online & offline
• kali-tools-wireless: All tools based around Wireless protocols – 802.11, Bluetooth, RFID & SDR
• kali-tools-reverse-engineering: For reverse engineering binaries
• kali-tools-exploitation: Commonly used for doing exploitation
• kali-tools-social-engineering: Aimed for doing social engineering techniques
• kali-tools-sniffing-spoofing: Any tools meant for sniffing & spoofing
• kali-tools-post-exploitation: Techniques for post exploitation stage
• kali-tools-forensics: Forensic tools – Live & Offline
• kali-tools-reporting: Reporting tools

Others

• kali-linux-large: Our previous default tools for amd64/i386 images
• kali-linux-everything: Every metapackage and tool listed here
• kali-tools-top10: The most commonly used tools
• kali-desktop-live: Used during a live session when booted from the image