BashCore
A custom Debian live ISO with security tools, no GUI, only Bash.
A custom Debian live ISO with security tools, no GUI, only Bash.
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.
sudo dpkg-reconfigure console-data
sudo nmtui
extra TTYs (TTY7, 8 etc) require login with:
User: user
Password: live
To add more virtual consoles:
sudo systemctl start getty@tty7.service
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
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.
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:
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.
tar -xvf bashcore-injector.tar.gz cd bashcore-injector
sudo bash debian.sh # for Debian CLI or GUI sudo bash ubuntu.sh # for Ubuntu Server or Desktop
When run on a CLI-only system, the result is BashCore.
When run on a system with a desktop environment, the result is BashCoreX.
* Tools marked with an asterisk are located in /opt/
postmaster@bashcore.org
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:
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.