Kali Linux Boosts Raspberry Pi: Native Wi-Fi Injection and Monitor Mode Arrive in 2025

Kali Linux has announced a significant upgrade for Raspberry Pi users. It now offers onboard Wi-Fi injection and monitor mode support through improved Nexmon integration. The latest release, Kali 2025.1, streamlines support for the Nexmon project. This makes wireless testing more reliable and easier to install on both older and newer Raspberry Pi hardware.

Key Features and Improvements  
Native Onboard Wi-Fi Injection: Raspberry Pi’s built-in Broadcom/Cypress Wi-Fi chipsets can now be used for monitor mode and packet injection. These features are vital for penetration testers and wireless security researchers.

Nexmon Integration: The Nexmon firmware patching project now has better support. Kali users can enable advanced features without needing external adapters or complicated manual installations.

Wider Device Support: Official support now includes newer Raspberry Pi models, such as the Raspberry Pi 5. This is made possible by updated kernels and a cleaner packaging process.

Smoother Setup Experience: Users can quickly activate monitor mode and injection with newly refined packages. This greatly eases the process of setting up a portable, effective Wi-Fi testing kit.

Why This Matters  
Better Portable Security Audits: The ability to use built-in Wi-Fi hardware allows for fully self-contained pentesting on Raspberry Pi. This is perfect for fieldwork, red teaming, training, and educational purposes.

No More USB Dongles: Many users relied on specialty USB Wi-Fi adapters. This update eliminates that need for most tasks.

Expanded Support for Multiple Devices: The improvements make it easy to swap Kali SD cards between different Raspberry Pi models as needed for security work.

How It Works  
Nexmon Firmware Patching: Nexmon modifies the closed-source firmware on Broadcom chipsets. This allows advanced Wi-Fi capabilities that are normally disabled.

Kali’s Formalized Packaging: The new Kali packages promise stable kernel compatibility, easy installation, and continued support for the latest hardware releases.

Getting Started with the New Tools  
Install the Latest Kali Linux 2025.1+ on Raspberry Pi.

Follow the Updated Setup Guides: Use the new Nexmon-enabled packages provided by the Kali team.

Enable Monitor Mode and Injection with modified brcmfmac drivers via simple command-line utilities. Detailed documentation is available on the Kali Linux blog and official guides.

Real-World Impact  
Red Teamers: Conduct complex Wi-Fi attacks and security assessments with just a Raspberry Pi and Kali.

Educators/Students: Create affordable wireless security labs without needing extra hardware.

Hobbyists: Develop compact, all-in-one security and hacking setups for home or travel.

Additional Enhancements in Kali 2025.2  
13 New Hacking Tools Added

Unified 64-bit Raspberry Pi 5 Images

Smartwatch Wi-Fi Injection Now Available

MITRE-based Menu Refresh for Easier Tool Discovery

Kali Linux keeps improving for penetration testers and security professionals with accessible, powerful tools for wireless security on the Raspberry Pi platform.

For practical walkthroughs and detailed installation instructions, check the official Kali Linux blog and documentation.