Damn Vulnerable Linux

Damn Vulnerable Linux (DVL) is a discontinued^[1] Linux distribution geared toward computer security students. It functions as a tool for observing and studying vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel and popular user space software. It is available as a live CD, and can be run through a virtual machine within the host operating system.^[2]

Damn Vulnerable Linux

OS family	Linux (Unix-like)
Working state	Discontinued
Platforms	i486
Kernel type	Monolithic kernel (Linux)

History

DVL was created by Thorsten Schneider, the founder of the TeutoHack laboratory at Bielefeld University,^[3] to use as a training system for his university lectures.

Design

DVL is a SLAX-based distribution, and uses the Slackware .tgz package management system.^[1] It uses outdated versions of various software, to deliberately make it the most vulnerable operating system ever.^[4][5]

DVL is distributed as a live CD, allowing it to be booted directly from the distribution medium without installation on a PC or within a virtual machine.^[6]

See also

• Linux portal