Overview
Access Kali Desktop Easily with RDP
Kali Linux Xfce Desktop on AWS
Kali Linux (formerly BackTrack Linux) is an open-source, Debian-based distribution designed for advanced penetration testing and security auditing. Deploy Kali Linux with the lightweight Xfce desktop environment directly on AWS infrastructure for scalable, on-demand security assessments.
Who Is This For?
Kali Linux is built for information security professionals, penetration testers, and security researchers who need a purpose-built platform for offensive security tasks. Whether you are conducting vulnerability assessments, performing digital forensics, or running red team engagements, this AMI provides a ready-to-use environment on AWS.
Key Capabilities
- Hundreds of Pre-installed Security Tools - Includes industry-standard tools for penetration testing, vulnerability detection, reverse engineering, computer forensics, and wireless security assessments.
- Custom Kernel with Injection Patches - The kernel includes wireless injection patches to support comprehensive wireless security assessments where supported by the underlying AWS environment and hardware configuration.
- Lightweight Xfce Desktop - A responsive, resource-efficient graphical environment designed to perform well on cloud instances without unnecessary overhead.
- Open-Source and Fully Customizable - Built on an open-source Git tree, allowing users to customize or rebuild packages to suit specific requirements, including kernel-level customization.
- GPG-Signed Packages and Repositories - Packages and repositories use cryptographic signatures to help verify package integrity and authenticity.
- Multi-language Support - Operate the desktop environment in your preferred language while accessing the full suite of Kali Linux tools.
- Filesystem Hierarchy Standard Compliant - Standard Linux filesystem conventions make it easier to locate binaries, support files, libraries, and other system components.
AWS Integration Benefits
- On-Demand Infrastructure - Launch instances when needed for time-limited security engagements without maintaining dedicated physical hardware.
- Scalable Testing Environments - Deploy multiple instances to support distributed testing and assessment workflows across AWS infrastructure.
- Flexible Networking - Leverage AWS networking capabilities to create controlled and isolated testing environments appropriate for authorized security assessments.
- AWS Security Integration - Integrate the environment with AWS security and monitoring services to support comprehensive security assessment workflows.
Security and Development
Kali Linux is developed with a focus on secure software distribution and transparent development practices. Changes to the distribution are managed through security-focused development and release processes, while the development tree is publicly available for transparency and review.
The distribution follows the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard and provides broad hardware and peripheral support. Its open-source architecture enables security professionals and developers to inspect, configure, and customize the environment according to their requirements.
Getting Started
Launch the Kali Linux Xfce Desktop AMI from AWS Marketplace, select an appropriate EC2 instance type for your workload, and connect using your preferred remote desktop or management method. The environment includes the Xfce desktop and Kali Linux security toolset, providing a ready-to-use platform for authorized penetration testing, security research, vulnerability assessment, digital forensics, and related security workflows.
Disclaimer- This AMI includes free and open-source software. All software and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Askforcloud does not provide commercial licenses for the included products.
"OffSec" and "Kali Linux" are trademarks of OffSec Services Limited.
Highlights
- Askforcloud LLC simplifies cloud adoption with ready-to-deploy AMIs built for speed, security, and performance. Empower your workloads with scalable, reliable, and efficient cloud solutions designed for seamless deployment.
- Cloud-Ready Lightweight Desktop - The Xfce desktop environment provides a responsive, resource-efficient graphical interface optimized for cloud instances. Launch on-demand AWS instances for time-limited engagements, scale across regions, and eliminate the need for dedicated testing hardware. Compliant with the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard for easy navigation and tool discovery.
Details
Introducing multi-product solutions
You can now purchase comprehensive solutions tailored to use cases and industries.
Features and programs
Financing for AWS Marketplace purchases
Pricing
- ...
Dimension | Cost/hour |
|---|---|
t3.xlarge Recommended | $0.25 |
t2.micro | $0.06 |
t3.micro | $0.06 |
m8id.48xlarge | $3.50 |
m3.xlarge | $0.25 |
r8id.48xlarge | $3.50 |
c6a.large | $0.15 |
r8i.32xlarge | $3.50 |
r8idb.16xlarge | $2.00 |
m8a.48xlarge | $3.50 |
Vendor refund policy
Customers may cancel their subscription at any time. Upon cancellation, no future recurring charges will be applied, subject to the applicable AWS Marketplace billing policies. Any fees or charges incurred prior to the effective date of cancellation are non-refundable. Askforcloud LLC does not offer refunds for this AWS AMI product.
How can we make this page better?
Legal
Vendor terms and conditions
Content disclaimer
Delivery details
64-bit (x86) Amazon Machine Image (AMI)
Amazon Machine Image (AMI)
An AMI is a virtual image that provides the information required to launch an instance. Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) instances are virtual servers on which you can run your applications and workloads, offering varying combinations of CPU, memory, storage, and networking resources. You can launch as many instances from as many different AMIs as you need.
Version release notes
This release delivers Kali Linux 2026.2 with the Linux 6.19 kernel and Xfce 4.20.7 desktop environment, optimized for deployment on Amazon EC2. The AMI includes the latest security updates, bug fixes, package updates, and platform improvements available at build time. It provides a ready-to-use environment with SSH and RDP/XRDP support for efficient remote administration and graphical access. This release is designed to provide a reliable and scalable foundation for authorized security testing, research, development, and cybersecurity workloads on AWS.
Additional details
Usage instructions
Usage Instructions
- Connect to the EC2 Linux Instance
After launching the EC2 instance, connect to the instance using SSH.
- Set the Kali Password
After connecting through SSH, set the password for the kali user by running:
"sudo passwd kali"
You will be prompted to:
Enter a new password. Re-enter the new password to confirm.
- Verify that XRDP Is Running
Verify that the XRDP service is running and listening on TCP port 3389 by executing:
sudo ss -lntp | grep 3389
Expected Output
LISTEN 0 2 *:3389 : users:(("xrdp",pid=875,fd=7))
If the output shows *:3389, XRDP is listening for incoming RDP connections.
The Kali Linux instance is now ready to accept RDP connections.
- Connect to the Instance Using RDP
Use an RDP client to connect to the EC2 instance.
Connection Details
Setting Value Protocol -RDP Port -3389 Username -kali Password The password configured in Step 2
Make sure that the EC2 Security Group allows TCP port 3389 from the IP address or network from which you are connecting.
- AWS Documentation
For detailed instructions on accessing EC2 Linux instances, refer to the official AWS documentation:
https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/AccessingInstances.html
Support
Vendor support
For support related to this AMI, please contact Askforcloud LLC via email at support@askforcloud.us or visit <<www.askforcloud.us > >
AWS infrastructure support
AWS Support is a one-on-one, fast-response support channel that is staffed 24x7x365 with experienced and technical support engineers. The service helps customers of all sizes and technical abilities to successfully utilize the products and features provided by Amazon Web Services.
Similar products
