Vulnix

Vulnix (Vulnerable Linux) is an open-source and completely free server-oriented operating system derived from the world’s most popular distribution of Linux, Ubuntu, and designed from the ground up for ethical hacker training purposes only.

Distributed as a virtual disk image for VirtualBox and VMware

This is not a real operating system that can be installed on your computer’s disk drive, as it is distributed only as a virtual disk image for the VirtualBox and VMware virtualization software.

In order to use it, the user must extract the archive and import the virtual disk image, which is available in the well-known VMDK file format, in either VMware or VirtualBox. Then, you can start the operating system like any other virtual appliance.

A deliberately vulnerable system designed for beginner hackers

As mentioned, the host system is deliberately designed to encourage and train beginner hackers to hack a real system. It is vulnerable by default, as it includes configuration weaknesses, allowing the hacker to find the IP address, hack his or her way into the system and obtain the trophy, which is hidden in / (root).

A unique and handy solution for ethical hacker training purposes

All things considered, Vulnix (Vulnerable Linux) is without no doubt a unique and handy solution for ethical hacking training purposes, allowing beginner hackers to learn how to hack a system on the network without to much fuss.

Keep in mind though, that this Linux distribution is not suitable for production machines. Not only that it can’t be installed on a real computer, but it should not be used for any other purposes than the ones mentioned above.