Kali Linux 2026.1 Adds Eight Tools and BackTrack Mode
Summary
Kali Linux 2026.1 adds eight tools, upgrades its kernel to 6.18, refreshes the desktop theme, and introduces a BackTrack 5-inspired mode for Kali-Undercover.
Key points
- The release adds eight tools: AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike.
- It adds 25 packages, updates 183, and upgrades the Kali kernel to version 6.18.
- A new Kali-Undercover mode recreates the look of BackTrack 5 and can be toggled from the menu or with a terminal command.
- The annual theme refresh updates wallpapers, the graphical installer, and the boot and login experience.
- Kali NetHunter received HID permission checks and fixes for its WPS scan and back button issues.
- Users can install from live or installable ISO images or upgrade an existing system; the article recommends WSL 2 for WSL users.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Software release
- Impact
- Kali Linux 2026.1 adds eight tools, 25 new packages, and 183 updated packages, upgrades the kernel to version 6.18, and introduces a theme refresh and BackTrack mode. Kali NetHunter also receives a HID permission check and bug fixes.
Products
Kali LinuxKali Linux 2026.1, the first release of the year, introduces eight new tools, a kernel upgrade to 6.18, and an annual theme refresh with updated wallpapers and installer tweaks.Kali NetHunterKali NetHunter received HID permission checks and bug fixes, and users can upgrade via the provided apt commands or download ISO images, with WSL 2 recommended for WSL users.
Tools
AdaptixC2Kali Linux 2026.1 adds eight new tools, including AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike.Atomic-OperatorKali Linux 2026.1 adds eight new tools, including AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike.FluxionKali Linux 2026.1 adds eight new tools, including AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike.GEFKali Linux 2026.1 adds eight new tools, including AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike.MetasploitMCPKali Linux 2026.1 adds eight new tools, including AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike.SSTImapKali Linux 2026.1 adds eight new tools, including AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike.WPProbeKali Linux 2026.1 adds eight new tools, including AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike.XSStrikeKali Linux 2026.1 adds eight new tools, including AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike.