Damn Vulnerable Linux

Damn Vulnerable Linux is a discontinued SLAX-based Linux distribution geared towards computer security students. It functions as a tool for observing and studying vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel and popular user space software. It is available as a live CD, and can be run through a virtual machine within the host operating system.

History

DVL was created by Thorsten Schneider, the founder of the TeutoHack laboratory at Bielefeld University, to use as a training system for his university lectures.

Design

DVL is a SLAX-based distribution, and uses the Slackware .tgz package management system. It uses outdated versions of various software, to deliberately make it the most vulnerable operating system ever.
DVL is distributed as a live CD, allowing it to be booted directly from the distribution medium without installation on a PC or within a virtual machine.