[Solved] RTL8812AU wireless network interface cannot find available networks on Kali Linux

Summary

This tutorial demonstrates how to set up a wireless network interface for penetration testing in Kali Linux, focusing on the RTL 8812AU chipset. The presenter walks through the process of installing the correct driver, troubleshooting common issues with incompatible drivers, and resolving problems like missing available networks. After discussing solutions such as installing the appropriate Linux headers and using the right firmware, the tutorial concludes with a successfully configured network interface, enabling the user to proceed with penetration testing tasks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure that your network card supports monitor mode if you're setting up for penetration testing in Kali Linux.
• 😀 Use the 'lsusb' command to check if your network card is recognized, but if 'wlan0' doesn't appear, you may need to install the correct driver.
• 😀 The commonly recommended driver from GitHub often fails to work correctly, even after installation and rebooting.
• 😀 The issue is typically not related to VirtualBox or VMware, but rather to a problematic driver for certain chipsets like the RTL 8812AU.
• 😀 A simpler solution is to install a different driver using the command 'apt install realtek-rtl88xxau-dkms'.
• 😀 Ensure that the Linux headers corresponding to your kernel version are installed before attempting driver installation.
• 😀 If the kernel version is incompatible, install the correct Linux headers using 'apt search linux-headers' and reboot your system.
• 😀 After installing the correct driver and rebooting, the wireless networks should appear in the network manager.
• 😀 The previously recommended method of cloning and installing from GitHub (using 'make' and 'make install') doesn't work for this chipset.
• 😀 Once the proper driver is installed, you can begin using your network card for penetration testing and network analysis tasks.

Q & A

What is the main topic of this tutorial?

The main topic of the tutorial is setting up a wireless network interface in Kali Linux for penetration testing using a USB network card that supports monitor mode.

Which chipset does the tutorial specifically mention for compatibility?

The tutorial specifically mentions the RTL 8812AU chipset for which the solution is applicable.

What issue does the user face after installing the driver from GitHub?

After installing the driver from GitHub and rebooting the system, the user encounters the issue where the wireless network interface is disabled and unable to find any available networks.

What common advice does the user mention about fixing the driver issue?

The common advice often provided online, including by ChatGPT, is to clone the driver from GitHub, use 'make' and 'make install', and reboot the system, but this method does not work as expected in this case.

What alternative solution does the user recommend?

The user recommends installing the driver via the command 'sudo apt install realtek-rtl88xxau-dkms' instead of using the GitHub method, which resolves the issue.

What additional step is required if the kernel version is incompatible?

If the kernel version is incompatible, the user suggests installing the correct Linux headers using the command 'sudo apt search linux-headers' and selecting the right version that matches the kernel.

How does the user confirm the success of the installation?

The user confirms the success of the installation by rebooting the system, checking the available networks, and seeing that the networks are now visible and accessible.

What issue does the user clarify regarding VirtualBox and VMware?

The user clarifies that the issue is not related to VirtualBox or VMware, as the same problem persists in both environments, and the solution is driver-specific.

Why is installing the Linux header important for the installation process?

The Linux header is crucial for the DKMS installation and compilation process, ensuring that the driver works correctly with the kernel version in use.

What is the final outcome after applying the solution?

After applying the solution, the wireless network card is able to detect available networks, and the user can proceed with penetration testing using the card.