How To Install Metasploit on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Metasploit is a powerful and widely-used penetration testing framework that plays a crucial role in the field of cybersecurity. It provides security professionals and ethical hackers with a comprehensive set of tools to identify vulnerabilities, test system security, and develop effective defensive strategies. As a Linux user, installing Metasploit on your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system can be a valuable addition to your security toolkit. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing Metasploit on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, covering various installation methods, necessary prerequisites, and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth and successful setup.

Prerequisites

System Requirements

Before proceeding with the installation of Metasploit on your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system, it’s essential to ensure that your machine meets the minimum hardware and software requirements. Metasploit requires a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and sufficient disk space (around 10GB) to accommodate the framework and its dependencies. Additionally, make sure you have a stable internet connection for downloading the necessary packages and updates.

Necessary Tools and Dependencies

To install Metasploit smoothly, you’ll need to have certain tools and dependencies installed on your Ubuntu system. These include:

• Nmap – a powerful network scanning and discovery tool
• Curl – a command-line tool for transferring data using various protocols
• Git – a distributed version control system for managing source code
• Ruby – a dynamic, object-oriented programming language
• PostgreSQL – a robust open-source relational database management system

Preparing Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Updating the System

Before installing Metasploit, it’s crucial to update your Ubuntu system to ensure you have the latest security patches and software updates. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

These commands will fetch the latest package lists and upgrade any outdated packages to their latest versions.

Installing Essential Dependencies

Next, install the essential dependencies required for Metasploit. Run the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt install -y build-essential zlib1g zlib1g-dev libpq-dev libpcap-dev libsqlite3-dev ruby ruby-dev nmap git postgresql curl

This command will install the necessary packages, including Ruby, PostgreSQL, and other dependencies needed for Metasploit to function properly.

Installation Methods

Method 1: Using Nightly Installer Script

One of the easiest ways to install Metasploit on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is by using the nightly installer script. This script automates the installation process and sets up Metasploit with default configurations.

Downloading the Installer Script

To download the Metasploit installer script, use the following curl command:

curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-omnibus/master/config/templates/metasploit-framework-wrappers/msfupdate.erb > msfinstall

Executing the Installer Script

Once the installer script is downloaded, make it executable using the following command:

chmod +x msfinstall

Now, run the installer script with sudo privileges:

sudo ./msfinstall

The script will download and install Metasploit along with its dependencies. This process may take some time depending on your internet connection speed.

Post-installation Steps

After the installation is complete, you can start the Metasploit console by running:

msfconsole

This command will launch the Metasploit console, indicating a successful installation. You can now start using Metasploit for your penetration testing and security research activities.

Method 2: Installing from Source Code

Another way to install Metasploit on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is by building it from the source code. This method provides more flexibility and allows you to have the latest version of Metasploit.

Cloning the Repository

First, clone the Metasploit repository from GitHub using the following command:

git clone https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework.git

This command will create a local copy of the Metasploit source code in a directory named “metasploit-framework”.

Building and Installing Metasploit

Navigate to the cloned repository directory:

cd metasploit-framework

Install the required Ruby gems by running:

bundle install

This command will install all the necessary Ruby dependencies for Metasploit.

Verifying Installation

To verify the installation, start the Metasploit console with the following command:

./msfconsole

If the console starts without any errors, congratulations! You have successfully installed Metasploit from the source code.

Configuring Metasploit

Database Setup

Metasploit uses a PostgreSQL database to store information about targets, vulnerabilities, and exploits. To set up the database, follow these steps:

1. Start the PostgreSQL service:

sudo systemctl start postgresql

2. Create a new database user for Metasploit:

sudo -u postgres createuser msf -P

Set a secure password when prompted.

3. Create a new database for Metasploit:

sudo -u postgres createdb --owner=msf msf

Configuring Environment Variables

To ensure smooth operation of Metasploit, set the following environment variables in your ~/.bashrc file:

export MSF_DATABASE_CONFIG=/path/to/database.yml
export RAILS_ENV=production

Replace “/path/to/database.yml” with the actual path to your Metasploit database configuration file.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common Installation Errors

1. Missing Dependencies: If you encounter errors related to missing dependencies during installation, ensure that you have installed all the necessary packages mentioned in the prerequisites section.

2. Database Connection Issues: If Metasploit fails to connect to the database, double-check your database configuration settings in the database.yml file and ensure that the PostgreSQL service is running.

Performance Optimization Tips

1. Disable Unnecessary Modules: Metasploit comes with a wide range of modules, but you may not need all of them. Disabling unused modules can improve startup time and reduce memory usage. You can disable modules by editing the metasploit-framework/config/database.yml file.

2. Update Regularly: Keep your Metasploit installation up to date by regularly running the msfupdate command. This ensures that you have the latest exploits, modules, and bug fixes.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Metasploit. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Metasploit framework on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Metasploit website.