---
title: "Deploy Kali Linux"
description: "Kali Linux rolling Docker image for penetration testing and security labs"
category: "Other"
url: https://railway.com/deploy/kali-linux
---

# Deploy Kali Linux

Kali Linux rolling Docker image for penetration testing and security labs

**[Deploy Kali Linux on Railway](https://railway.com/template/kali-linux)**

- **Creator:** decoge
- **Category:** Other
- **Total deploys:** 133

## Template content

### Kali Linux

- **Image:** kalilinux/kali-rolling
- **Start command:** `sleep infinity`

## Documentation

# Deploy and Host Kali Linux on Railway

Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed specifically for penetration testing, security auditing, and digital forensics. It provides a powerful, flexible platform trusted by security professionals worldwide and is accessed entirely via the command line using the Railway CLI.

## About Hosting Kali Linux on Railway

Deploying Kali Linux on Railway uses the official **kali-rolling** Docker image in a lightweight, containerized environment. Railway handles orchestration, networking, and scaling, giving you instant access to a clean Kali Linux system without managing servers, SSH keys, or infrastructure manually.

A persistent volume is mounted at `/data` to retain installed tools, scripts, configurations, and collected artifacts across redeployments and restarts. This setup delivers an on-demand, cloud-hosted Kali Linux environment ideal for penetration testing labs, security research, and isolated experimentation.

> **Important:** The base Kali image does **not** include tools by default. This allows you to keep the environment minimal and install only what you need.

You can install tools manually, for example:

```bash
apt update && apt -y install 
```

Or install predefined toolsets:

```bash
apt update && apt -y install kali-linux-headless
```

## Common Use Cases

* Penetration testing and red team labs
* Security research and vulnerability analysis
* Building custom Kali-based toolchains
* Running scripts, exploits, and automation workflows
* Isolated sandboxes for learning and training in cybersecurity

## Dependencies for Kali Linux Hosting

### Deployment Dependencies

* Official Kali Linux rolling Docker image:
  `kalilinux/kali-rolling`
  Available on Docker Hub:
  [https://hub.docker.com/r/kalilinux/kali-rolling](https://hub.docker.com/r/kalilinux/kali-rolling)

* SSH access via Railway CLI for remote shell and diagnostics:
  [https://docs.railway.app/guides/cli#ssh](https://docs.railway.app/guides/cli#ssh)

## SSH Usage

### Prerequisites

Ensure you have the following set up:

1. Railway CLI installed on your local machine
2. Logged in to your Railway account using `railway login`

### Usage

You can copy the exact SSH command directly from the Railway dashboard:

1. Open your project in the Railway dashboard
2. Right-click the Kali Linux service
3. Select **“Copy SSH Command”**
4. Paste the command into your local terminal to connect

## Why Deploy Kali Linux on Railway?

Railway is a singular platform to deploy your infrastructure stack. Railway will host your infrastructure so you don't have to deal with configuration, while allowing you to vertically and horizontally scale it.

By deploying Kali Linux on Railway, you are one step closer to supporting a complete full-stack application with minimal burden. Host your servers, databases, AI agents, and more on Railway.


## Similar templates

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- [Foundry Virtual Tabletop](https://railway.com/deploy/X5tR6G) — A Self-Hosted & Modern Roleplaying Platform
- [Letta Code Remote](https://railway.com/deploy/letta-code-remote) — Run a Letta Code agent 24/7. No inbound ports, just deploy.

Open this page in a browser: https://railway.com/deploy/kali-linux