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Build the lab as two separate virtual machines—Kali for security tools and Ubuntu as a general-purpose lab guest—and decide how they will connect before starting either one. For a contained beginner setup, put both guests on a VirtualBox host-only network if the host needs access, or an internal network if only the guests need to communicate. Keep intentionally vulnerable targets off bridged networking and verify every VM adapter before testing.
What you need before you start
Use a computer that can run your chosen host operating system, hypervisor, and guest machines at the same time. The resources required depend on the host, guest desktop environments, and how many VMs you run concurrently; there is no single established minimum for a Kali-and-Ubuntu lab.
Kali lists VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V, and QEMU as virtualization options. Choose based on compatibility with your host, support for the guest systems you plan to use, and how easily you can create isolated networks and take snapshots. The available documentation does not establish one platform as best for every user. Kali Linux FAQ
Choose the network before booting lab machines
A virtual network setting determines whether guests can reach each other, the host, or external networks. In VirtualBox, host-only networking provides a virtual segment for the host and its guests; guests on that segment cannot reach the outside world through a physical network interface. Internal networking provides a guest-only segment, which is useful when the host should not participate. These descriptions are based on Oracle VM VirtualBox User Manual version 7.0.4; interface labels and behavior should be checked against the version you install. Oracle VM VirtualBox User Manual, version 7.0.4
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| Mode | What it permits | Use in a beginner lab |
|---|---|---|
| Host-only | Communication between the host and guests on the virtual segment; no external access through a physical network interface, according to the cited VirtualBox manual. | Suitable when you want the host to manage or access lab VMs. |
| Internal | Communication among guests on the named virtual segment, without a physical network interface. | Suitable when only lab guests need to communicate. |
| Bridged | The VM connects through an existing physical network interface. | Do not use for intentionally vulnerable targets in a beginner lab: it can expose them to the physical network. |
| NAT | Can provide outbound connectivity. | Not equivalent to an air gap. Use only when you have deliberately chosen to allow connectivity, such as for updates. |
These distinctions apply to VirtualBox’s documented modes; do not assume another hypervisor uses identical labels or behavior. A second adapter can also undermine the isolation you intended: inspect every adapter on each VM, not just the first one.
Build the Kali and Ubuntu guests
1. Install a hypervisor
Install a supported virtualization platform for your host computer. Kali’s documentation lists VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V, and QEMU, but your choice should account for host compatibility and the network and snapshot features you need. Kali Linux FAQ
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2. Get Kali from the official source
Use Kali’s official prebuilt VM image when one is available for your chosen platform; otherwise use the official installer image. Kali publishes images for VMware and VirtualBox and describes snapshots as a VM feature. Verify the downloaded image using Kali’s current published SHA256 value or signed-hash instructions before importing or installing it. Do not reuse a checksum from an older release. Kali warns that unofficially modified images can contain malware or exploits. Kali Linux downloads · How to download official Kali Linux images
3. Install Ubuntu as a separate guest
Install Ubuntu in its own VM, separate from Kali. It can serve as a general-purpose lab participant or development and test machine. Use Ubuntu’s official source for its current download and verification instructions; the material cited here does not establish a specific Ubuntu release or checksum procedure.
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4. Put the guests on the intended virtual network
Configure Kali and Ubuntu—and any lab-only target—on the same host-only or internal virtual segment if they need to communicate. Before starting an exercise, inspect the network settings of every VM and confirm that no unintended NAT or bridged adapter is attached. Keep intentionally vulnerable targets disconnected from bridged networking and the home LAN. This is a safety recommendation based on the documented fact that bridged mode connects a VM through a physical network interface. Oracle VM VirtualBox User Manual, version 7.0.4
5. Provide updates only through a deliberate connectivity choice
A host-only guest should not be treated as having internet access. If a guest needs updates, deliberately choose a connectivity arrangement that permits them, then restore the intended isolated configuration before working with vulnerable targets. Do not leave a target’s network settings changed by accident.
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6. Create a clean recovery point
After installing, updating, and configuring each guest, take a baseline snapshot. Create another snapshot before an exercise likely to change or damage the VM, then revert when needed. Use names that identify the machine and state, such as “Ubuntu — clean baseline” or “Kali — before network exercise.” Snapshots are recovery aids, not backups against failure of the host or its storage. Kali lists snapshots among the features available with VM installations. Kali Linux downloads
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verify isolation before practicing
Do not rely on a network-mode label alone. Check the configured adapters and test the communications you intended to allow before using security tools or vulnerable software.
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- Record each guest’s name, purpose, network mode, address, and snapshot state.
- Confirm that Kali and the intended lab guest can communicate if the exercise requires it.
- Confirm the host can reach guests only when you chose host-only networking and want host access.
- Check that a vulnerable target has no bridged adapter or other unintended route to your home network or the internet.
- Recheck settings after changing connectivity for updates, and restore the lab’s intended configuration.
These are practical checks to apply to your setup; the cited documentation explains the network modes but does not prescribe a universal testing procedure.
Use the lab only with authorization
Keep exercises within machines and networks you own or have permission to test. An isolated VM lab is useful for controlled practice, but it does not authorize testing systems outside it. Treat isolation as a configuration to verify, not an assumption.
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