Cracking local Linux password hashes
In this recipe, we will crack Linux passwords using John the Ripper.
In this recipe, we will also simulate booting off a CD-ROM in order to crack the passwords using John the Ripper.
Getting ready
Let's ensure the following prerequisites:
- Your Kali machine is powered up
- You have some sample users and passwords setup on your Linux machine
How to do it...
We will now crack Linux password with John the Ripper:
- With your Windows machine off start by going into VirtualBox, clicking on the Linux VM, and click on
Settings:

VirtualBox virtual machine screen
- From the settings menu click
Storage. Click on the CD-ROM drive and choose the Kali ISO that you recently downloaded. Then clickOK:

VirtualBox virtual machine storage settings
- Now start your Linux VM and it should automatically load the Kali CD. From the main menu select
Live (forensic mode).
Note
Watch the screen carefully depending on what operating system you are working with, you may be asked to boot off the CD...