Kali Linux 2025.1a brings refreshed theme, KDE Plasma 6.2, NetHunter updates, and more

The Kali Linux team has unveiled version 2025.1a of their renowned Linux distribution, tailored for penetration testing and cybersecurity tasks. This update introduces a refreshed theme, enhancing the user interface with an updated boot menu, login screen, and a variety of desktop wallpapers. Notably, this version includes major desktop environment updates with KDE Plasma 6.2 and Xfce 4.20, succeeding the previous Plasma 5.27 and Xfce 4.18 versions.

To facilitate easier transitions for users from other operating systems, additional keyboard shortcuts have been incorporated for quicker desktop navigation. The release also extends support for Raspberry Pi devices, featuring a new kernel, improved firmware management, and a partition layout aligned with Raspberry Pi OS images.

In the NetHunter app, a new “CAN Arsenal” tab has been added, alongside new kernels for Samsung phones and various other enhancements. Additionally, the release introduces hoaxshell, a Windows reverse shell payload generator and handler using the http(s) protocol to create a beacon-like reverse shell.