Kali Linux 2025.4 was officially released on December 12, 2025, bringing a mix of new security tools, desktop enhancements, and performance improvements tailored for penetration testers and ethical hackers.
This update emphasizes modernizing the user interface while bolstering toolsets for wireless attacks and remote exploitation. Below, I’ll break down the highlights, including the three new hacking tools and the Wifipumpkin3 integration.
Three New Hacking Tools
This release introduces three specialized tools to expand Kali’s offensive capabilities:
• bpf-linker: A lightweight BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) static linker designed for compiling and linking eBPF programs efficiently, useful for network monitoring and kernel-level security analysis.
• evil-winrm-py: A Python implementation of the WinRM (Windows Remote Management) shell, enabling remote command execution on Windows targets over WinRM protocols—ideal for post-exploitation in Active Directory environments.
• hexstrike-ai: An MCP (Modular Command Protocol) server that allows AI agents to autonomously execute tools and scripts, streamlining automated pentesting workflows with intelligent decision-making.
These additions join Kali’s vast repository of over 600 pre-installed tools, focusing on emerging areas like eBPF and AI-driven automation.
Wifipumpkin3 Updates
A major highlight is the integration of Wifipumpkin3 into the Kali NetHunter mobile app. This rogue Wi-Fi access point framework now features a dedicated preview tab for easier setup and testing. It includes fresh community-contributed phishing templates from collaborators like @IKETEACH and @dr.rootsu, targeting popular services such as:
• iCloud
• Snapchat
This makes it simpler to simulate man-in-the-middle attacks on wireless networks directly from Android devices running NetHunter, enhancing mobile pentesting.
Desktop Environment and Other Improvements
• GNOME 49: Now the default with full Wayland support (X11 removed). Key changes include refreshed themes, tool organization into app grid folders, a new video player (Showtime replacing Totem), and a quick terminal shortcut (Ctrl+Alt+T or Win+T).
• KDE Plasma 6.5: Adds flexible window tiling, an enhanced screenshot tool with built-in editing, quick clipboard access, and fuzzy search in KRunner for faster navigation.
• Xfce: Gains color theme support for icons, GTK/Qt windows, and decorations, configurable via the Appearance app (with separate Qt tweaks).
Broader updates include full Wayland compatibility for virtual machines (e.g., VirtualBox, VMware, QEMU) with features like shared clipboards and scaling. A fun “Halloween Mode” theme is available via kali-undercover --halloween. The kernel is bumped to 6.16 for better hardware support, and due to size constraints, Kali Live images are now distributed exclusively via BitTorrent.
To download, head to the official Kali site and grab the ISO or torrent. If you’re already on Kali, update with sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade. This release keeps Kali at the forefront for cybersecurity pros—let me know if you need setup guides for any of these tools!