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Kali Linux 2026.1 distribution update introduces eight new tools, theme refresh, and BackTrack mode

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1 unique sources, 1 articles

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Kali Linux 2026.1, the first major release of Kali Linux in 2026, has been published with eight new security tools, a comprehensive theme refresh, and a new BackTrack mode in Kali-Undercover. The update includes a kernel upgrade to version 6.18, 25 new packages, and updates to 183 existing packages. The release targets ethical hackers, penetration testers, and cybersecurity professionals, available as a live environment, installable OS, or via Kali NetHunter on supported hardware including Raspberry Pi and Android devices.

Timeline

  1. 25.03.2026 14:31 1 articles · 1h ago

    Kali Linux 2026.1 released with new tools and BackTrack mode

    Kali Linux 2026.1 is released, featuring a kernel upgrade to 6.18, 25 new packages, and 183 updated packages. Eight new tools were added, including AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike. A new BackTrack mode in Kali-Undercover allows switching the desktop theme to resemble BackTrack Linux 5. Kali NetHunter improvements include HID permission checks and fixes for WPS scan bugs and back button issues.

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Information Snippets

  • Kali Linux 2026.1 upgraded the kernel to version 6.18.

    First reported: 25.03.2026 14:31
    1 source, 1 article
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  • 25 new packages and updates to 183 existing packages were added in this release.

    First reported: 25.03.2026 14:31
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Eight new tools were introduced: AdaptixC2 (extensible post-exploitation and adversarial emulation framework), Atomic-Operator (execute Atomic Red Team tests across multiple OS environments), Fluxion (security auditing and social-engineering research tool), GEF (modern GDB frontend with advanced debugging capabilities), MetasploitMCP (MCP server for Metasploit), SSTImap (automatic SSTI detection with interactive interface), WPProbe (fast WordPress plugin enumeration), and XSStrike (advanced XSS scanner).

    First reported: 25.03.2026 14:31
    1 source, 1 article
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  • A comprehensive annual theme refresh introduced new wallpapers, a redesigned graphical installer interface, and improvements to boot and login experiences.

    First reported: 25.03.2026 14:31
    1 source, 1 article
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  • A new BackTrack mode was added to Kali-Undercover, allowing users to switch the desktop theme to resemble BackTrack Linux 5, including wallpapers, colors, and window themes.

    First reported: 25.03.2026 14:31
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Improvements to Kali NetHunter include a HID permission check, fixes for WPS scan bugs, and resolution of the back button issue.

    First reported: 25.03.2026 14:31
    1 source, 1 article
    Show sources

  • Users can upgrade existing installations using provided APT commands, download ISO images for new installs or live environments, or use the Kali NetHunter app on supported Android devices.

    First reported: 25.03.2026 14:31
    1 source, 1 article
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