Kali Linux 2024.4: Major Updates, Awesome New Tools, and What’s Next

As we soar through 2025, Kali Linux 2024.4 is with us for its final release of the year, bringing some major changes to the world’s favorite penetration testing and cybersecurity-focused Linux distribution. This update introduces Python 3.12, the end of i386 images, Raspberry Pi Imager customizations, GNOME 47, a refreshed Kali Forums, Kali NetHunter updates, and 14 powerful new security tools.

Let’s dive into what’s new and how these changes impact cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, and penetration testers.

Major Changes in Kali Linux 2024.4

Python 3.12 Becomes the Default Interpreter

Python 3.12 is now the default Python version in Kali Linux. This update introduces better security, improved performance, and major changes in how third-party Python applications are installed.

🚀 What’s new in Python 3.12?

• pip Installation Changes – Installing packages with pip system-wide is now discouraged and disallowed by default.
• pipx as the Alternative – Instead of pip, pipx is now recommended for installing third-party Python applications in isolated environments.

📌 Why This Matters: This change reduces dependency conflicts and improves overall system stability. For developers and pentesters relying on Python tools, this means adjusting workflows to adopt pipx. Read more about pipx here.

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❌ Farewell to i386: Kali Linux Drops 32-Bit Kernel & Images

After years of supporting legacy 32-bit (i386) systems, Kali Linux has officially dropped i386 kernel and OS images. However, i386 packages remain available, meaning that:

• You can still run i386 programs on 64-bit systems using multiarch support.
• Docker images for i386 applications are still available.
• Some older software, particularly in gaming, may continue to function.

📌 Why This Matters: If you rely on old 32-bit applications, you will need to run them on a 64-bit Kali system with multiarch support or use containerized solutions.

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🔒 OpenSSH Deprecates DSA Keys – What You Need to Know

Kali Linux 2024.4 ships with OpenSSH 9.8p1, which fully deprecates DSA keys. If you need to connect to legacy systems using DSA, you’ll need to use ssh1, a legacy SSH client included in this update.

🛠 How to Maintain Legacy SSH Compatibility:

• Use ssh1 instead of ssh for connecting to legacy systems.
• Enable Wide Compatibility Mode in kali-tweaks to unlock older ciphers.

📌 Why This Matters: If you conduct pentests on outdated systems, you may run into compatibility issues. The inclusion of ssh1 helps bridge this gap.

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New Features in Kali Linux 2024.4

🍓 Raspberry Pi Imager Customization Support

For Raspberry Pi users, Kali Linux images now support customizations directly from the Raspberry Pi Imager software. This allows users to:

• Set custom usernames, passwords, and hostnames.
• Preconfigure Wi-Fi and SSH settings before booting.
• Automate regional and timezone settings.

📌 Why This Matters: This makes setting up Kali Linux on Raspberry Pi faster and easier, especially for IoT security testing and portable hacking rigs.

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🎨 GNOME 47: A More Personalized Desktop Experience

Kali Linux now ships with GNOME 47, featuring:

• Accent color customization for a personalized look.
• New system monitor panel extension.
• Improved text editor color schemes.

📌 Why This Matters: If you use GNOME as your Kali desktop environment, these updates provide aesthetic improvements and better usability.

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Kali NetHunter Updates

Kali NetHunter, the mobile penetration testing platform, has received a huge update with the introduction of Wifipumpkin3, replacing the old Mana toolkit.

🚀 New Features in Kali NetHunter:

• Wifipumpkin3 – A powerful fake access point tool that works on mobile networks.
• New Kernel Flashing Feature – Flash kernels directly within the Kali NetHunter app.
• General performance and security improvements.

📌 Why This Matters: Wireless pentesting on mobile devices just got even more powerful, allowing for advanced attacks on Wi-Fi networks and user tracking.

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14 New Tools Added in Kali Linux 2024.4

Kali Linux has introduced 14 new security tools, further expanding its arsenal of penetration testing and ethical hacking capabilities.

🆕 Some of the notable additions include:

• 🔹 bloodyad – An Active Directory privilege escalation framework.
• 🔹 chainsaw – A powerful Windows forensic artifact analysis tool.
• 🔹 findomain – One of the fastest tools for domain reconnaissance.
• 🔹 linkedin2username – Generates username lists for companies on LinkedIn.
• 🔹 proximoth – A control frame attack vulnerability detection tool.

📌 Why This Matters: These tools enhance Active Directory attacks, forensic analysis, and network reconnaissance, making them invaluable for red teamers and security researchers.

👉 See the full list of new tools here.

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Final Thoughts: Why This Update is Important

Kali Linux 2024.4 delivers some of the biggest changes in recent years, marking the end of legacy support for i386 while introducing major improvements to Python, SSH, Raspberry Pi, and NetHunter.

🚀 Key Takeaways:
✅ Python 3.12 is now default – Switch from pip to pipx.
✅ No more i386 images – Use multiarch or Docker for 32-bit apps.
✅ Raspberry Pi support is better than ever – Customize before first boot.
✅ GNOME 47 brings a fresh new look.
✅ 14 new tools expand pentesting and security research capabilities.

With new tools, better performance, and an improved user experience, this release ensures that Kali Linux remains the go-to operating system for cybersecurity professionals.

💬 What’s your favorite new feature in Kali Linux 2024.4? Let’s discuss in the comments!

📌 More Cybersecurity and Online Privacy News: StealthAnon.com