Kali Linux 2025.3 Launches with VPN Tool Updates, ARMEL Sunset, and Experimental Kernel Module Support
Kali Linux 2025.3 is now available, bringing a suite of updates for penetration testers and security professionals. The release includes enhancements to the VPN IP panel plugin, the discontinuation of support for ARMel architecture, and experimental functionality allowing installation of kernel modules via Magisk. Ten new tools have been added to the distribution, alongside improvements to Wi-Fi capabilities.
This latest iteration of Kali Linux arrives as the cybersecurity landscape rapidly evolves,demanding increasingly sophisticated tools and adaptable operating systems. The updates aim to streamline workflows for security professionals,while also addressing underlying architectural considerations to ensure future stability and performance. The move to end ARMel support reflects a broader industry shift, and the experimental Magisk integration opens new avenues for customization and kernel-level modifications - though users are cautioned about potential instability.
Key changes in Kali Linux 2025.3 include:
* VPN IP Panel plugin (Xfce): Users can now specify the interface being monitored, enabling easy copying of VPN connection IP addresses to the clipboard.
* ARMEL Support Dropped: Kali is phasing out support for the ARMel (Acorn RISC Machine, little-Endian) architecture.
* Magisk Kernel Module Support (Experimental): Installation of kernel modules is now possible through Magisk, though Kali notes this feature is still under advancement.
* New Tools: The release introduces ten new tools to expand the capabilities of the distribution.
* Wi-Fi Enhancements: Improvements have been made to Wi-fi functionality.
Users can upgrade existing installations with the following commands:
echo "deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-rolling main contrib non-free non-free-firmware" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list
sudo apt update && sudo apt -y full-upgrade
cp -vrbi /etc/skel/. ~/
[ -f /var/run/reboot-required ] && sudo reboot -fAlternatively, users can download ISO images for new installations or live distributions, or select a platform for installation via the official kali website (https://www.kali.org/get-kali/). For those using kali on the Windows Subsystem for Linux, upgrading to WSL2 is recommended for improved performance and graphical application support. The full changelog is available on the Kali blog (https://www.kali.org/blog/kali-linux-2025-3-release/).
