Potential Pitfalls

In another post, I went over the process of installing Kali Linux in a Proxmox Linux Container. I also discussed some of the potential pitfalls to doing so.

Rather than re-write everything here, I'll just refer you to that section of the write-up, because frankly, running Parrot OS in a LXC comes with the same challenges.

Creating the Container

Download the Latest Debian Image

1. Click on your Proxmox node
2. Open a shell and run pveam update
3. Click on your local storage (or whichever storage pool is allocated to store CT templates)

Build the Container

1. Right-Click the Proxmox node where you want to create the LXC
2. Click Create CT

Install Parrot OS

Update the Base Debian Installation

1. Start and log into your new container
2. Run these commands in the terminal

apt clean && apt update && apt upgrade -y
apt install -y gnupg sudo git curl wget

Clone and run the Install Script

cd /tmp
git clone https://gitlab.com/parrotsec/project/installer-script
cd installer-script
chmod u+x install.sh

Install Parrot OS Core

./install.sh

Choose 1) Install Core Edition.

Install HTB Edition

Once the Core installation finishes, you'll be re-routed to the installation prompt. Choose 4) Install Hack The Box Edition (or whichever flavor you prefer).

./install.sh

Then, choose option 4 again and it should work this time.

Install Remote Desktop Server

Desktop Enviroments | ParrotOS Documentation

From version 5.0 LTS, ParrotOS is available with the default MATE Desktop Environment (DE) for all editions (Home, Security). However, other desktop environments like XFCE, KDE, etc... can be installed. Each DE has its peculiarity, but we recommend trying them out before deciding what to install (keep in mind that you can install multiple DEs on one OS).

Parrot Logo

Take a Snapshot

Before making significant changes to the operating system, I like to take a snapshot of my guests, so that I can roll back to the last known good state just before those changes.

1. Click on your Proxmox node running Parrot OS
2. Click on your Parrot OS container
3. Click Snapshots
4. Click Take Snapshot
5. Name it something like pre_rdp_install and save the snapshot

Install XRDP Server

apt install -y xorg xrdp

cat <<EOF | sudo tee /etc/polkit-1/localauthority/50-local.d/45-allow-colord.pkla
[Allow Colord all Users]
Identity=unix-user:*
Action=org.freedesktop.color-manager.create-device;org.freedesktop.color-manager.create-profile;org.freedesktop.color-manager.delete-device;org.freedesktop.color-manager.delete-profile;org.freedesktop.color-manager.modify-device;org.freedesktop.color-manager.modify-profile
ResultAny=no
ResultInactive=no
ResultActive=yes
EOF

systemctl enable --now xrdp

Test RDP Connectivity

Set Your Time Zone

timedatectl set-timezone <tab_key>

Add a Non-Root User Login

# I prefer zsh and choosing to install accordingly
sudo apt install zsh

# Create a new user
NEW_USER='ben'
NEW_USER_GROUPS='adm,dialout,cdrom,floppy,sudo,dip,video,plugdev,users,netdev,bluetooth'
useradd -m -s $(which zsh) -G $NEW_USER_GROUPS $NEW_USER

# Set the user passwd
passwd $NEW_USER

Issue Workarounds

Again, referring you to my write-up on running Kali Linux in a LXC, I've already written about an issue experienced when trying to run the openvpn client to VPN servers (e.g. HackTheBox and TryHackMe).

Because Parrot OS is running as an unprivileged container, the container does not have permissions to create necessary device files on the Proxmox node. You will need to make some adjustments to the Linux Container's configuration to allow it to do so.

Proxmox: Kali in a Linux Container (LXC)

In this post, I demonstrate the process of importing, installing, and configuring a Kali LXC image in Proxmox. I also discuss some of the potential challenges that may present.

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Conclusion

As mentioned in my write-up on running Kali in a Linux Container, if you experience stability issues, or find yourself inconvenienced by the multiple workarounds required to get Parrot OS running in an unprivileged Linux Container, I advise you to scrap the install and just run it in a VM.

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