Kali on Framework

Framework Laptop 13
1

Just wondering about Kali support on the laptop.

Wayne Pfeffer

2

My framework is set to arrive Wed and I am still undecided about using Pop_OS or Kali. My needs are simple as a developer but those are the two distros I liked the most. I guess once the laptop arrives and I put it together, I will test both and see how things go and post it here.

3

Thank you. I appreciate that, I look forward to hearing about your experience.

4

2021.2 includes the 5.10 kernel, which is purported to have basic support for the AX210 module.
Kali looks to use libfprint 1.90; you’ll need libfprint 1.92+ in order to use the fingerprint reader.

5

Great news. I got my machine earlier and I am writing this reply on it using Kali. I am not only excited but very happy with the purchase so far. It was easy to assemble and running smooth. Yes everything works just fine but the only item I have not checked yes is precisely the fingerprint reader. @Gary_S thank you for the info. I will try it later.

3 Likes
6

Thank you for letting us know about Kali support.

7

I have installed kali on my batch 3 framework, but was unable to make the fingerprint reader.

The wifi does not work on a fresh install (with kernel 5.10.0-kali9), but with a USBto Ethernet adapter and a apt update && apt upgrade && apt dist-upgrade it will work (kernel 5.14.0-kali2)

I did try with libfprint 1.94, and the fingerprint reader did show up, but I was unable to enroll any fingerprint, I got a message that the reader wwas already claimed by other process or something.

8

@Rick_richcfml

I don’t know if you are aware, but just a little FYI for people reading and considering Kali as a daily-driver:

The distribution’s developers say

Kali is a Linux distribution specifically geared towards professional penetration testers and security specialists, and given its unique nature, it is NOT a recommended distribution if you’re unfamiliar with Linux or are looking for a general-purpose Linux desktop distribution for development, web design, gaming, etc.

for more info, see: Should I Use Kali Linux? | Kali Linux Documentation.
TL;DR:

  • insecure kernel
  • limited repositories that are not easily extendable
  • blacklisted services such as network services and bluetooth

If you want to use the framwork as a secondary pentest-only computer, go ahead. If you want a stable linux daily-driver that looks and feels like Kali just go with

  • Debian-based distro
  • install Xfce as a Desktop Environment
  • install Kali themes
  • install all the hacking tools you need (hint: none, because you have a Kali VM)