pushpenderindia/kali-linux-novnc

Kali Linux Docker Container with Desktop Access

https://github.com/PushpenderIndia/KaliLinuxVNC/actions/workflows/build.yml/badge.svg](https://github.com/PushpenderIndia/KaliLinuxVNC/actions/workflows/build.yml)

A lightweight Docker container running Kali Linux with a complete desktop environment accessible via VNC and noVNC for browser-based remote access.

GitHub Repo

https://github.com/PushpenderIndia/KaliLinuxVNC

Features

• Full Kali Linux Desktop: Complete XFCE desktop environment
• Browser Access: noVNC web interface for easy access
• VNC Support: Traditional VNC client compatibility
• SSL/TLS Security: Self-signed certificates for encrypted connections
• Configurable: Customizable metapackages, desktop environments, and display settings
• Lightweight: Optimized for minimal resource usage.

Quick Start

Using Docker Compose (Recommended)

bash
# Build and start the container
docker-compose up --build

# Run in background
docker-compose up -d

# Stop the container
docker-compose down

Using Docker (Alternative)

bash
# Build the container
docker build -t kali .

# Run the container
docker run --rm -it --name kali -p 9020:8080 -p 9021:5900 kali

Access the Desktop

Open your web browser and navigate to:

https://localhost:9020/vnc.html

Default VNC password: kali

Configuration Options

Environment Variables

Example with Custom Configuration

Using Docker Compose

Create or modify docker-compose.yml:

yaml
version: '3.8'

services:
  kali:
    build: .
    container_name: kali
    ports:
      - "9020:8080"
      - "9021:5900"
    environment:
      - VNCEXPOSE=1
      - VNCPWD=mypassword
      - VNCDISPLAY=1920x1080
      - VNCDEPTH=24

Using Docker Run

bash
docker run -it --rm \
  -p 9020:8080 \
  -p 9021:5900 \
  -e VNCEXPOSE=1 \
  -e VNCPWD=mypassword \
  -e VNCDISPLAY=1920x1080 \
  -e VNCDEPTH=24 \
  kali

Access Methods

Web Browser (Recommended)

Access via noVNC web interface at https://localhost:9020/vnc.html

• No additional software required
• SSL/TLS encrypted connection
• Works on any modern browser

VNC Client

For traditional VNC client access:

1. Set VNCEXPOSE=1 in your configuration
2. Install a VNC viewer (RealVNC, TigerVNC, etc.)
3. Connect to localhost:9021
4. Use the configured password (default: kali)

Customization

Desktop Environments

Modify the KALI_DESKTOP argument in the Dockerfile:

• xfce (default)
• mate
• gnome
• kde

Kali Linux Metapackages

Update the KALI_METAPACKAGE argument in the Dockerfile:

• core - Essential tools only
• default - Standard Kali tools
• light - Lightweight selection
• large - Extended tool collection
• everything - Complete tool suite
• top10 - Most popular tools (default)

For more information about metapackages, visit the official Kali documentation.

SSL Certificates

Default Behavior

The container automatically generates self-signed certificates for SSL/TLS encryption.

Custom Certificates

Mount your own certificates using volumes:

bash
-v /path/to/cert.pem:/etc/ssl/certs/novnc_cert.pem \
-v /path/to/key.pem:/etc/ssl/private/novnc_key.pem

Generate new certificates:

bash
openssl req -new -x509 -days 365 -nodes \
  -out cert.pem -keyout key.pem \
  -subj "/C=US/ST=State/L=City/O=Organization/CN=localhost"

Security ***ations

• Change the default VNC password in production environments
• Use custom SSL certificates for public deployments
• *** network isolation for sensitive workloads
• Keep the container updated with the latest Kali Linux packages

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

1. Verify port mappings match your configuration
2. Check firewall settings on the host system
3. Ensure the container is running: docker ps

Certificate Warnings

Browser certificate warnings are normal with self-signed certificates. You can:

• Accept the security exception
• Use custom certificates from a trusted CA
• Add the certificate to your system's trust store

Performance Optimization

• Reduce VNCDEPTH for slower connections
• Lower VNCDISPLAY resolution for better performance
• Use VNC client instead of browser for improved responsiveness

Docker Hub

Pre-built images are available at: https://hub.docker.com/u/pushpenderindia

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Add tests if applicable
5. Submit a pull request

Support

For issues and questions:

• Check the troubleshooting section
• Review existing https://github.com/PushpenderIndia/KaliLinuxVNC/issues
• Create a new issue with detailed information