BashCore
A custom Debian live ISO with security tools, no GUI, only Bash.
https://www.bashcore.org/
Contact: postmaster@bashcore.org
About BashCore
BashCore is a custom Debian-based live ISO designed for security professionals, networking enthusiasts, and students. It features a minimalist design with no graphical interface, relying entirely on Bash for operation.
BashCore provides a fresh environment on every boot, making it ideal for students to practice security, networking, and system administration skills without risk. Its lightweight nature also makes it perfect for VirtualBox and other virtual machines, ensuring smooth performance even on systems with limited resources.
The ISO includes a curated selection of tools for penetration testing, network analysis, and system diagnostics. GPU-ready: NVIDIA and AMD graphics supported out of the box. Built using Debian's live-build framework, BashCore is stable, customizable, and adheres to open-source principles.
Whether you’re learning the basics or need a reliable tool for advanced tasks, BashCore offers a streamlined, efficient command-line experience.
Features
System Information
Debian Version: 12 (Bookworm)
Kernel: Linux 6.1 for 64-bit PCs
Minimalist Design
Lightweight and Fast
Curated Tools
Fresh Environment on Every Boot
Highly Customizable
Open Source
*** Installation Instructions
Create a Bootable USB with Ventoy:
Download Ventoy from the official website and install it on a USB drive.
Copy the BashCore.iso file to the USB drive.
Boot from the USB drive and select BashCore.iso from the Ventoy menu.
*** Set the Keyboard
sudo dpkg-reconfigure console-data
*** Connect to Wi-Fi
sudo nmtui
*** Login Instructions
extra TTYs (TTY7, 8 etc) require login with:
User: user
Password: live
*** Add more virtual consoles:
sudo systemctl start getty@tty7.service
*** Turn off screen after inactivity:
setterm -blank 10
BashCoreX
A graphical variant of BashCore with XFCE desktop environment that includes also Firefox, Tilix, Wireshark and Mousepad.
BashCoreX provides the same Debian-based live environment as BashCore, but with a lightweight graphical interface (XFCE). Ideal for users who prefer a visual desktop while keeping the same core philosophy: simplicity, speed, and open-source tools.
Login credentials for the live session:
User: live
Password: live
BashCoreT
A CLI-only edition of BashCore built on Debian 13 "Trixie", currently in Hard Freeze state, featuring Linux Kernel 6.12 with PREEMPT_RT realtime support.
BashCoreT delivers a minimal, lightning-fast terminal environment tailored for advanced users, pentesters, and system engineers who need cutting-edge responsiveness and full control. Thanks to PREEMPT_RT, it's also suitable for realtime workloads or timing-sensitive operations.
Important: Debian Trixie is not yet stable (as of this release). BashCoreT is intended for experienced users who understand the implications of using a pre-stable Debian base. Expect occasional package updates or instability.
BashCore Injector
A command-line tool that transforms a minimal Debian or Ubuntu installation into a fully equipped BashCore system.
The archive includes two injector scripts:
debian.sh – for Debian Bookworm (CLI or GUI)
ubuntu.sh – for Ubuntu LTS versions (Server or Desktop)
Depending on the environment, BashCore Injector automatically installs and configures:
BashCore – for systems without a graphical interface (pure CLI)
BashCoreX – for systems with a desktop environment (GUI)
It installs all the tools included in BashCore.
Note: The injector does not alter existing users, passwords, or root permissions. Everything stays exactly as configured during your base system install.
How to Use
Start from a clean installation of Debian Bookworm or a recent Ubuntu LTS release.
Download and extract this archive:
tar -xvf bashcore-injector.tar.gz
cd bashcore-injector
Run the appropriate script:
sudo bash debian.sh # for Debian CLI or GUI
sudo bash ubuntu.sh # for Ubuntu Server or Desktop
Follow the on-screen instructions. The setup may take several minutes depending on system performance and internet speed.
When run on a CLI-only system, the result is BashCore.
When run on a system with a desktop environment, the result is BashCoreX.
*** List of tools (those with *** are in /opt/):
Compression & Archiving
p7zip-full
Network Scanning & Enumeration
aircrack-ng
amass ***
arp-scan
dirb
dirsearch ***
dmitry
enum4linux ***
masscan
netcat-openbsd
nmap
whatweb ***
wpscan ***
Exploitation & Pentesting
hydra
hashcat
john
medusa
metasploit ***
nikto ***
searchsploit ***
seclists ***
sqlmap ***
Traffic Analysis & Spoofing
hping3
macchanger
tcpdump
tor
tshark
Proxy & Anonymity
openvpn
proxychains4
Programming & Scripting
g++
gcc
perl
python3
R
ruby
System Utilities
curl
dc
git
links
lynis
lynx
sed
ufw
wget
Text Editors & Development
emacs
octave
vim
BashCore is provided as a free and open system image for educational, ethical, and professional use.
By downloading or using BashCore, you accept the following terms:
BashCore is distributed under the MIT License.
The ISO image is provided as-is, without warranties of any kind.
No source code, build scripts, or internal configuration files are distributed or made public.
BashCore is based on the Debian GNU/Linux operating system, and includes unmodified tools from various open source projects (MIT, BSD, Apache, GPL, etc.).
This project is not affiliated with or endorsed by Debian or any upstream software included.
Debian™ is a registered trademark of Software in the Public Interest, Inc.
BashCore may include binary-only, unmodified versions of third-party tools released under GPL or similar licenses. These components remain under their respective licenses, and BashCore makes no claim over them.
This project provides only the final ISO image for download and personal use. Reverse engineering or repackaging is allowed under the terms of the MIT License, but no official support or documentation is provided beyond the ISO itself.
We are not responsible for any illegal use of the software.
Download Latest Version
BashCoreT.iso (6.6 GB)
