How to Install GVM (OpenVAS) on Kali Linux on Virtual Box

I encountered several challenges while setting up OpenVAS (GVM) on Kali Linux running in VirtualBox. One of the main issues I faced was the error:

gvm failed to find config 'd21f6c81-2b88-4ac1-b7b4-a2a9f2ad4663'

Despite searching for solutions, the available information was not helpful, and I had to troubleshoot extensively. This guide aims to provide a step-by-step walkthrough based on my experience.

Step 1: Update and Upgrade Kali Linux

Before installing GVM, update your Kali system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install GVM

Install OpenVAS (Greenbone Vulnerability Management):

sudo apt install gvm -y

Step 3: Set Up GVM

Run the initial setup:

sudo gvm-setup

This process will take a while. Once completed, an admin user is created. Make sure to save the admin password somewhere securely.

Step 4: Check the Setup

Verify if the installation was successful:

sudo gvm-check-setup

You should see a message confirming that GVM is set up correctly.

Step 5: Start and Stop GVM

To start GVM:

sudo gvm-start

Once GVM is started, open a web browser and navigate to:

https://127.0.0.1:9392

Log in using the admin username and the password generated during setup. You can update the password on the web interface later and create new user accounts.

To stop GVM:

sudo gvm-stop

Step 6: Resolving the Configuration Error

When attempting to create a new scan task, you might see this error:

gvm failed to find config 'd21f6c81-2b88-4ac1-b7b4-a2a9f2ad4663'

This happens because GVM needs time to sync database files. To check the sync status, navigate to:

Administration > Feed Status

If you see updates in progress, wait for the sync to complete.

To manually update the feed:

sudo greenbone-feed-sync

If the process fails due to a lock, stop GVM and retry:

sudo gvm-stop
sudo greenbone-feed-sync
sudo gvm-start

Using htop, you can monitor background processes by updating the PostgreSQL database. The process can take a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on system resources.

Step 7: System Requirements

As of 31/01/2025, Greenbone recommends the following system specifications:

Minimal:

• CPU Cores: 2
• RAM: 4GB
• Disk Space: 20GB free

Recommended:

• CPU Cores: 4
• RAM: 8GB
• Disk Space: 60GB free

My setup on a 2-core, 4GB RAM, 60GB disk VirtualBox image took approximately 2 hours to sync completely.

Step 8: Verify Scan Configurations

Once synchronization is complete, navigate to:

Configuration > Scan Configs

You should now see the scan configurations populated, and you are ready to run your first task.

Conclusion

Setting up GVM on Kali Linux in VirtualBox requires patience, particularly for feed synchronization. By following this guide, you should be able to install, configure, and troubleshoot OpenVAS efficiently.

For further reference, check Greenbone Official Docs