Release of Security Researcher-Focused Distributions: Parrot 6.0 and Gnoppix 24
The release of Parrot 6.0, a Debian-based distribution, is now available. It includes a collection of tools for system security, forensic analysis, and reverse engineering. Multiple ISO images are offered for download, featuring the MATE desktop environment suitable for everyday use, security testing, installation on Raspberry Pi boards, and specialized setups for cloud environments.
Parrot positions itself as a portable laboratory environment designed for security experts and forensic analysts, focusing on tools for testing cloud systems and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The distribution also includes cryptographic tools and secure network exit programs such as TOR, I2P, anonsurf, gpg, tccf, zulucrypt, veracrypt, truecrypt, and luks.
In this new release:
- Transition to Debian 12 package base.
- Linux kernel updated to version 6.5 (from 6.0) with patches to enhance sniffing capabilities, substitute network packets, and support information security-related technologies.
- Inclusion of backported DKMS modules for the 6.5 kernel with additional drivers for wireless cards, offering advanced traffic analysis capabilities. NVIDIA drivers have been updated.
- Many specialized utilities have been updated.
- Default activation of Python 3.11.
- Modernized graphical interface.
- Experimental feature allowing the launch of unsupported distribution utilities (incompatible with system libraries) in isolated containers.
- GRUB bootloader now supports recovery mode after a failure (Fail-Safe).
- Updated installer based on the Calamares framework.
- The sound system has transitioned to using the Pipewire multimedia server instead of PulseAudio.
- A fresh version of VirtualBox has been imported from Debian Unstable.
- Added support for Raspberry Pi 5.
Additionally, the release of Gnoppix Linux 24.1.15, aimed at security researchers preferring to work in a live environment while maintaining privacy and leaving no traces after experiments, is noteworthy. This distribution is based on Debian and incorporates elements from the Kali Linux project. Developed since 2003, it was previously based on the Knoppix live distribution. Bootable builds are available for x86_64 and i386 architectures (3.9 GB).
In the new version:
- Redesigned layout elements in the graphical interface, now using Xfce 4.18. The Whiskermenu package is employed for the application menu.
- Added an optional installation mode for local storage using the Calamares installer (previously only supported live boot).
- Updated versions of programs: Mousepad 0.6.1, Paole 4.18.0, Ristretto 0.13.1, Thunar 4.18.6, Whiskermenu 2.8.0, LibreOffice 7.6.4, Gnoppix Productivity 1.0.2, Gnoppix Security 0.3, and Gnoppix Privacy 2.1. The Linux kernel has been updated to version 6.6.11.
- Improved tools for routing all traffic through the Tor anonymous network. In addition to the Tor browser, OnionShare file-sharing program, and the Ricochet messaging system integrated with Tor are now included.
- The distribution includes Sweeper, a cache and temporary file cleaning utility, VeraCrypt for disk partition encryption, and the Metadata Anonymisation Toolkit (MAT) for metadata anonymization.”
