Guide: how to use kali as server, and macOS (m processor) with claude desktop

[lulzkiller666]

Hi guys – just want to share how I got HexStrike working with a Kali Linux VM (server) and macOS with Claude Desktop (client).

On Kali Linux

1. Install HexStrike normally (follow the project guide).
2. Create a Python venv and install requirements.
3. Run the server:
   cd ~/hexstrike-ai
   source hexstrike-env/bin/activate
   python3 hexstrike_server.py
   (Keep this running in tmux or screen.)
4. Make sure your Kali firewall allows port 8888 so it’s reachable from macOS.

On macOS

1. Make a folder for the MCP client (I used Downloads folder):
   mkdir -p ~/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp
   cd ~/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp
   python3 -m venv venv
   source venv/bin/activate
   pip install fastmcp requests h11 httpcore

2. Copy over the MCP client script (and any needed package dirs) from Kali:
   scp user@kali-ip:/home/user/hexstrike-ai/hexstrike_mcp.py ~/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp/

   (or simply just download the file via github and put in the folder)

Configure Claude Desktop

Add this to your Claude MCP config (claude_desktop.json):

"hexstrike-ai": {
  "command": "/Users/yourname/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp/venv/bin/python3",
  "args": [
    "/Users/yourname/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp/hexstrike_mcp.py",
    "--server",
    "http://192.168.1.159:8888"
  ],
  "description": "HexStrike AI via Kali VM",
  "timeout": 300,
  "disabled": false,
  "env": {
    "PYTHONPATH": "/Users/yourname/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp"
  }
}

Remember to change the folder path and server IP

That’s it:

• HexStrike runs on Kali.
• Mac only runs a lightweight MCP client.
• Claude Desktop connects directly to the server on Kali.

[VhaTer]

Tuto

> Hi guys – just want to share how I got HexStrike working with a Kali Linux VM (server) and macOS with Claude Desktop (client). > ### On Kali Linux > > 1. Install HexStrike normally (follow the project guide). > > 2. Create a Python venv and install requirements. > > 3. Run the server: > cd ~/hexstrike-ai > source hexstrike-env/bin/activate > python3 hexstrike_server.py > (Keep this running in tmux or screen.) > > 4. Make sure your Kali firewall allows port 8888 so it’s reachable from macOS. > > > ### On macOS > > 1. Make a folder for the MCP client (I used Downloads folder): > mkdir -p ~/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp > cd ~/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp > python3 -m venv venv > source venv/bin/activate > pip install fastmcp requests h11 httpcore > > 2. Copy over the MCP client script (and any needed package dirs) from Kali: > scp user@kali-ip:/home/user/hexstrike-ai/hexstrike_mcp.py ~/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp/ > (or simply just download the file via github and put in the folder) > > > ### Configure Claude Desktop > > Add this to your Claude MCP config (claude_desktop.json): > > ``` > "hexstrike-ai": { > "command": "/Users/yourname/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp/venv/bin/python3", > "args": [ > "/Users/yourname/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp/hexstrike_mcp.py", > "--server", > "http://192.168.1.159:8888" > ], > "description": "HexStrike AI via Kali VM", > "timeout": 300, > "disabled": false, > "env": { > "PYTHONPATH": "/Users/yourname/Downloads/hexstrike-mcp" > } > } > ``` > > Remember to change the folder path and server IP > > That’s it: > > * HexStrike runs on Kali. > > * Mac only runs a lightweight MCP client. > > * Claude Desktop connects directly to the server on Kali.

You are Welcom to add you tutorial on the [Discord](https://discord.gg/wXdYs3KB)