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+---- Thread: Linux monitor mode (/showthread.php?tid=6317226)
Linux monitor mode - D4vidrax - Jan 5, 2026
Hi
Is there a way to put my virtual machine in monitor mode without using any physical adapter?
What is the best way to do it for pentesting?
RE: Linux monitor mode - DramaKing - Jan 5, 2026
(Jan 5, 2026 08:18 AM)D4vidrax Wrote: Hi
Is there a way to put my virtual machine in monitor mode without using any physical adapter?
What is the best way to do it for pentesting?
Absolutely not. System-level access to the physical WiFi adapter is required. A virtual adapter won't even show up when running iw dev. Is it critical that you use a virtual machine? Have you verified that you're adapter supports monitor mode?
RE: Linux monitor mode - D4vidrax - Jan 5, 2026
(Jan 5, 2026 08:27 AM)DramaKing Wrote: Absolutely not. System-level access to the physical WiFi adapter is required. A virtual adapter won't even show up when running iw dev. Is it critical that you use a virtual machine? Have you verified that you're adapter supports monitor mode?
Well, the problem is solved. I bought the Alfa AWUS036NHA Wi-Fi adapter, and from what I've seen, it does what I needed it to do.
RE: Linux monitor mode - Terry A. Davis - Jan 5, 2026
(Jan 5, 2026 03:32 PM)D4vidrax Wrote: Well, the problem is solved. I bought the Alfa AWUS036NHA Wi-Fi adapter, and from what I've seen, it does what I needed it to do.
You solved the problem doing what you didn't want to do even if it was the solution. Good job.
RE: Linux monitor mode - Cosa Nostra - Jan 17, 2026
No, true monitor mode cannot be achieved in a VM without passing through a physical wireless adapter. However, since you purchased an adapter and managed to make it work, you're good to go I guess.