EVE-NG: Building a Debian 12.6 Image from NetInstall ISO

EVE-NG Image Preparation Manual: Debian 12.6 (NetInstall)

Step-by-step guide to create a Debian 12.6 Linux node for EVE-NG using the NetInstall ISO.

Tested on EVE-NG Community/Pro (QEMU) Last updated:

Why NetInstall? It’s a small ISO that downloads packages from Debian repositories during setup, letting you build a lean, up-to-date image without bloat.

1) Create Directory

Make a folder for the Debian image:

mkdir -p /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/linux-debian

2) Create QEMU Hard Disk

Generate a 20 GB disk (adjust size as needed):

qemu-img create -f qcow2 /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/linux-debian/hda.qcow2 20G

3) Set Boot Order

Boot from CD-ROM first for installation:

echo "cd" > /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/linux-debian/boot_order

After installation, switch boot order to disk:

echo "c" > /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/linux-debian/boot_order

4) Copy Debian ISO

Rename and copy your ISO as cdrom.iso:

cp debian-12.6.0-amd64-netinst.iso /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/linux-debian/cdrom.iso

5) Fix Permissions

Ensure correct ownership for EVE-NG:

/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions

6) Install Debian

1. In EVE-NG GUI, add a new Linux node using linux-debian.
2. Allocate at least 2048 MB RAM.
3. Boot VM, install Debian to hda.qcow2.

7) Finalize Image

Remove ISO (optional):

rm /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/linux-debian/cdrom.iso

Fix permissions again:

/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions

✅ Done! Debian 12.6 image is now ready in EVE-NG.