Run Kali Linux in Apple Containers on macOS
▼ Summary
– Apple’s new containerization framework in macOS Sequoia allows running Kali Linux in a virtualized environment on Apple Silicon hardware.
– Users can install the container CLI via Homebrew and launch Kali Linux using commands that load the container from DockerHub.
– The framework supports mounting local directories into the Kali VM, enabling access to host files from within the container.
– The feature has limitations, including no support for Intel Macs and networking bugs like IP address issues.
– Hardware passthrough-dependent Kali use cases won’t work due to the container’s isolation from hardware.
Cybersecurity experts now have a streamlined way to run Kali Linux directly on macOS Sequoia through Apple’s cutting-edge container technology. This breakthrough leverages Apple Silicon’s virtualization capabilities, offering a lightweight alternative to traditional virtual machines while maintaining strong isolation between systems.
Apple’s newly introduced container framework, revealed during WWDC 2025, brings Linux compatibility to macOS in a manner reminiscent of Windows’ WSL2. The solution currently supports M-series chips exclusively, leaving Intel-based Mac users without this functionality. Setting up the environment requires just a few terminal commands, beginning with the installation of essential tools through Homebrew:
“`bash brew install --cask container container system start “`
Once configured, launching Kali Linux becomes remarkably straightforward. The following command pulls the latest Kali image from DockerHub and initiates an interactive session:
“`bash container run --rm -it kalilinux/kali-rolling “`
For those needing to work with local files, the container supports directory mounting with a slightly more complex syntax:
“`bash container run --remove --interactive --tty --volume $(pwd):/mnt --workdir /mnt docker.io/kalilinux/kali-rolling:latest “`
Early adopters should be aware of current limitations, particularly regarding network functionality. The Kali development team has acknowledged intermittent connectivity problems where containers might fail to obtain IP addresses. They advise consulting Apple’s official documentation when encountering such issues.
Security researcher Taha Ex points out another consideration: “Tasks requiring direct hardware access won’t function properly within these containers due to their isolated nature.” This affects certain penetration testing scenarios that depend on physical device interaction.
Despite these constraints, the solution represents a significant step forward for Mac-based security professionals. The containerized approach eliminates much of the overhead associated with conventional virtualization, enabling faster deployment of Kali tools while maintaining macOS system stability. As the technology matures, future updates will likely address current networking challenges and potentially expand hardware support.
(Source: Bleeping Computer)