BlueArch

What is BlueArch Linux?

BlueArch Linux is an Arch Linux-based penetration testing distribution. It provides a repository of 2000+ security tools that you can install on top of any existing Arch Linux system, or use via the standalone ISO.

Is BlueArch based on Arch Linux?

Yes. BlueArch is an extension of Arch Linux. It uses the same package manager (pacman) and follows the same rolling release model. You can add it as a repository on any existing Arch install.

Can I add BlueArch to my existing Arch Linux system?

Yes. Download and run the strap script. It adds the BlueArch GPG keys to your system and updates /etc/pacman.conf to include the BlueArch repository. After that you install tools normally with pacman.

What is the difference between the Full ISO and the Slim ISO?

The Full ISO (~15 GB) includes all 2000+ tools and multiple window managers: Fluxbox, i3, and AwesomeWM. The Slim ISO (~5 GB) includes XFCE and only the most critical tools. You can always add more tools later from the repository.

What does rolling release mean?

Rolling release means there are no fixed versions. Packages are updated continuously. You just run pacman -Syu and your system is always up-to-date. There is no "BlueArch 2.0" to upgrade to — the system upgrades itself incrementally.

Is BlueArch Linux legal?

The distribution itself is legal. The tools it includes are open source security research tools. Using them against systems you do not own or do not have written permission to test is illegal. Only use these tools on systems you are authorized to test.

Does BlueArch support ARM?

No. Only x86_64 is supported.

How do I update BlueArch?

Run pacman -Syu as root. This updates the entire system including all BlueArch tools.

I'm getting GPG signature errors. How do I fix it?

Run pacman -S bluearch-keyring archlinux-keyring, then pacman-key --populate archlinux bluearch. See the keyring section in the guide.

How do I verify my ISO download?

All ISOs are signed by p1rater. Use gpg --verify with the .sig file to check that your download came from us. Full instructions are on the downloads page.

How do I request a new tool?

Open an issue on the issue tracker and label it as a tool request. Include the tool name, URL, description, and category. A pull request with a working PKGBUILD is preferred.

How do I report a bug?

Open an issue on the issue tracker or email us. Include your system info, the full error output, and steps to reproduce it.