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Kali Linux is a wonderful tool, but what if you just want a basic Metasploit Framework installation? It's easy to create a slimmed-down, portable Ubuntu Server installation with the bare essentials. We can then export that machine as an OVF or OVA template and take it with us, either into the lab or a customer's network.

Ubuntu Server is a great foundation for a Metasploit install, so we'll start with that.

First we need to complete a standard Ubuntu Server installation, which is very straightforward. You don't have choose any additional installation options, though I recommend installing the SSH software for secure remote access. Set a secure password, put the machine on the network, and we're ready to move on.

Next we'll upgrade the existing packages, then install the prerequisite packages to support Metasploit Framework.

apt-get update
apt-get upgrade -y

The following command is one line, though it wraps the page - copy and paste the entire thing:

apt-get install ruby ruby-dev rubygems build-essential libssl-dev libreadline-dev libpq5 libpq-dev libreadline5 libpcap-dev openjdk-8-jre git-core autoconf postgresql libsqlite3-dev pgadmin3 curl zlib1g-dev libxml2-dev curl zlib1g-dev libxslt1-dev vncviewer libyaml-dev nmap

Since the Metasploit Framework solution runs on Ruby we also need to install some gems:

gem install wirble sqlite3 bundler

With the foundation set up we'll clone the Metasploit Framework Git repository to the ./msf directory:

git clone https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework.git msf/

Change to the "msf" directory and build Metasploit Framework:

cd msf
bundle install

Sometimes during an install an individual gem may fail, and I've yet to find a good answer why. If a gem fails and stops the installation re-run the bundle install command.

Assuming the bundle install command ran successfully it's time to launch the Metasploit Framework:

./msfconsole

Every now and then, and of course before pentest engagements it's a good idea to update your Metasploit Framework installation using the built-in msfupdate command:

./msfupdate

Good luck in your pentest endeavors!