Parrot Security has announced the release of Parrot OS 6.4, a significant release for the Debian-based distribution geared towards penetration testing and cybersecurity . This latest version brings substantial updates to core security tools, including Metasploit Framework 6.4.71, Sliver C2 framework, Caido web security toolkit, and PowerShell Empire 6.1.2, positioning itself as an essential platform for ethical hackers and security professionals .
The new release features Linux kernel 6.12.32, providing improved hardware support and enhanced performance for modern penetration testing workflows . This kernel update aligns with the latest Long Term Support (LTS) version, ensuring stability and extended maintenance support for enterprise environments . Parrot 6.4 ships with Firefox ESR 140 enhanced with privacy-oriented patches that disable telemetry and implement anti-fingerprinting measures .
The distribution has resolved previous Firefox profile configuration issues through automated dpkg triggers that restore custom configurations during updates . The release encompasses significant updates across the security toolkit landscape . Metasploit Framework 6.4.71 brings enhanced Kerberos authentication capabilities, improved module functionality, and expanded exploit coverage . The framework continues to serve as a cornerstone for penetration testing with over 2,300 exploits and 1,200 auxiliary modules . Sliver, the open-source command and control framework written in Golang, receives updates that strengthen its position as a modern alternative to Cobalt Strike .
The framework supports multiple communication protocols, including mTLS, HTTP(S), and DNS, making it invaluable for red team operations . The lightweight Caido web security auditing toolkit version 0.48.1 enhances web application penetration . Parrot 6.4 introduces official support for Microsoft development tools, including PowerShell 7.5 and .NET runtime versions 5-9, all available through the standard APT package manager . This integration reflects the growing importance of cross-platform security testing . The development team indicates that Parrot 6.4 will likely be the final release in the 6.x series, based on Debian 12 . Work has already begun on Parrot 7.0, which will be built upon the upcoming Debian 13 “Trixie” and promises RISC-V architecture support along with multiple desktop environment options .
Current users can upgrade using sudo parrot-upgrade or standard APT commands . The team recommends fresh installations for users upgrading from significantly older versions to ensure optimal performance and compatibility . Official download links and torrent files are available through the project's website, with webseeds providing firewall-friendly download options .