Retro VM+
Retro VM+ is not just another cybersecurity app-A Rust-based interactive cybersecurity app focused on practical ethical hacking concepts. It offers two modes—Normal Mode and Ghost Mode—with hidden CTF-style flags throughout. Ghost Mode launches a Kali Linux VM via QEMU (triggered by Shift+D), while Normal Mode simulates real-world attack scenarios like fake virus popups on incorrect password entry. It features a SHA-256-based notepad, a retro 1996-themed chatbot (Ollama), a Vedic math game unlocking secret terminals, and a hacker CLI with tools like phishing detectors, fake site generators, and footprint scanners. Additional gamified elements include a chess board with cyber notes and a floppy disk game using steganography logic. The terminal also has network scanner which has a trained ML model to do so.
Why It Stands Out
What sets Retro VM apart is its layered design. On the surface, it looks like a nostalgic app with games, animations, and classic UI. But beneath that is a powerful, hands-on cybersecurity training platform. From launching a real Kali Linux virtual machine to simulating phishing attacks and scanning networks using AI-powered tools, Retro VM turns learning into a secret mission.
Key Features That Make Retro VM+ Unique
Ghost Mode-> Unlocks stealth mode with dark visuals and access to hidden tools like the Kali Linux VM.
Virtualized Kali Linux-> Press Shift + D in Ghost Mode to boot Kali Linux inside a secure QEMU sandbox using local ISO and QCOW2 assets. Great for safe, offline ethical hacking practice.
Fake Virus Simulation-> Entering the wrong password (hola amigo!) in Normal Mode triggers a prank malware outbreak that floods the screen with notepads. A fun way to simulate what social engineering attacks can look like.
SHA-256 Encrypted Notepad-> Users can type notes and encrypt them using SHA-256. Decryption is possible only within the app — teaching about hashing and secure data handling.
1996-Themed AI Chatbot-> Powered by Ollama and Transformers, this retro-style assistant provides cybersecurity tips and math logic in a terminal-style interface.
Vedic Math Challenge Unlocks Terminal-> Score 2048+ in the math game → press Ctrl + H, then Ctrl + Alt + G → boom, the Hacker Terminal appears.
Rust-Powered Hacker Terminal
Real CLI tools built into the terminal:
phishgen: Builds phishing sites & exposes them via Ngrok.
netscan: Network scanner using NLP + ML (NLTK, XGBoost).
footscan: Digital footprint analyzer for browser metadata.
Cyber Chess with a Twist-> The "Save" button in chess opens an interactive cybersecurity tutorial. It's logic meets learning.
Floppy Disk Game – Steganography in Action-> Win the game to embed secret text inside images using steganography. Lose, and your message is saved in unrecoverable binary. A visual metaphor for encryption gone wrong.
The Vision
Retro VM+ transforms complex cybersecurity concepts into an interactive, explorative, and rewarding experience. Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring hacker, it encourages you to dive deeper, experiment safely, and learn by doing — not reading.
It’s not just an app. It’s a CTF-inspired simulator, a training ground, and a retro hacker’s paradise.
“In a world full of tutorials, Retro VM+ hands you the keyboard, shuts the door, and lets you find your way out.”
📦 Requirements
✅ Prerequisites
| Tool | Required For |
|---|---|
| Rust | Core app, QEMU launcher |
| Python 3.10+ | ML, chatbot, API calls |
| QEMU | Booting Kali Linux VM |
| Ngrok | Phishing site tunneling |
| Kali ISO | Virtual hacking system |
Folder Structure:
project/
├── assets/
│ ├── kali-linux.iso│
│ ├── kali-qcow2
│ └── qemu/
│ └── qemu-system-x86_64(.exe)
├── src/
│ ├── main.rs
│ ├── modes
│ ├── models
│ ├── servers
├── requirements.txt
├── Cargo.toml
└── README.txt
🔐 Real-World Cybersecurity Concepts Simulated
| Concept | Implemented In |
|---|---|
| Virtualization | Kali Linux boot via QEMU |
| Red Team Tactics | Phishing site, fake malware |
| Hashing | SHA-256 Notepad encryption |
| Data Loss Simulation | Floppy Game (delete-on-fail) |
| OSINT Footprint | footscan module |
| Risk Detection | Network & extension scanner with ML |
| LLM & Security Chat | Ollama chatbot |
📝 Installation & Setup Guide
Retro VM is a gamified cybersecurity simulation app built with Rust and Python. Follow the steps below to install, configure, and run it on your system.
System Requirements
- OS: Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, or Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+)
- RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended)
- Storage: 5 GB+ free
- CPU: Multi-core (4+ cores, virtualization supported)
- GPU: DirectX 11 or OpenGL 3.3+ compatible
- Tools Required:
- Git
- Python 3.8+
- Rust (via rustup)
- QEMU
- Ngrok
Step-by-Step Installation
CLONE THE PROJECT FROM GITHUB $ git clone https://github.com/Cyberpunk-San/osdc.git $ cd osdc
INSTALL PYTHON DEPENDENCIES $ pip install -r requirements.txt
INSTALL RUST (IF NOT INSTALLED) $ curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -sSf https://sh.rustup.rs | sh $ rustup update $ cargo --version
DOWNLOAD KALI LINUX ISO
- Go to https://www.kali.org/get-kali/
- Download "Kali Linux 64-bit Installer (ISO)"
- Place it in: /assets/kali-linux.iso
SETUP QEMU
- Download QEMU for your OS:
- Windows: https://qemu.weilnetz.de/w64/
- macOS:
brew install qemu - Linux:
sudo apt install qemu qemu-kvm
- Create a directory: /assets/qemu/
- Place the QEMU binary in that folder: Example: /assets/qemu/qemu-system-x86_64
- Download QEMU for your OS:
INSTALL OLLAMA (FOR CHATBOT) Download Ollama from: https://ollama.com
Follow installation steps for your OS.
After installation, run:
ollama run mistral
Ensure Ollama is running before starting Retro VM.
CREATE QCOW2 VIRTUAL DISK $ qemu-img create -f qcow2 assets/kali-linux.qcow2 30G
BUILD THE PROJECT $ cargo build --release
RUN RETRO VM $ cargo run
Optional Notes
To run in release mode (faster): $ cargo run --release
To rebuild: $ cargo clean $ cargo build
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.