If you want zero legal ambiguity, use the official build method:
git clone https://github.com/rapid7/metasploitable3
cd metasploitable3
vagrant plugin install vagrant-reload
vagrant up (for Windows or Ubuntu)
But this defeats the "OVA download" intent.
Q: Can I run Metasploitable 3 on an M1/M2 Mac? A: Not natively. The Windows VM requires x86 architecture. Use UTM with emulation (very slow) or a remote lab.
Q: How much time does the build take? A: On a good internet connection (50 Mbps) and SSD, expect 45–60 minutes. On slower systems, up to 2 hours. metasploitable 3 ova download
Q: Is there a Linux version of Metasploitable 3?
A: Yes, the repository also builds an Ubuntu 14.04 VM. Run vagrant up ubuntu1404.
Q: Where is the official download page?
A: There is no official OVA download page. The official GitHub repo is: https://github.com/rapid7/metasploitable3
Before you hit that download button, understand what you are getting. Metasploitable 3 is a virtual machine (VM) intentionally built to be vulnerable. It was created by Rapid7, the company behind the Metasploit Framework, in collaboration with the open-source community. If you want zero legal ambiguity, use the
Unlike its predecessor (Metasploitable 2, which is based on Ubuntu 8.04), Metasploitable 3 offers two flavors:
Why choose Metasploitable 3 over version 2?
Do not underestimate the resources required. Unlike its lightweight predecessor, Metasploitable 3 demands: But this defeats the "OVA download" intent
| Component | Minimum | Recommended | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | CPU | 2 cores | 4+ cores | | RAM | 4 GB (total system) | 8 GB+ (total system) | | Disk Space | 30 GB free | 50 GB free | | Hypervisor | VirtualBox 6.1+ / VMware 15+ | VMware Workstation Pro / Hyper-V |
Note: The Windows 2008 VM alone will consume 2-3 GB of RAM.
Metasploitable 3 is a purposely vulnerable virtual machine used for penetration testing practice and security training. This guide explains what the OVA is, where to responsibly obtain it, and how to set it up for local use. Only use Metasploitable 3 in isolated lab environments you control.