Run MagicRecon in Docker: Bug Bounty Recon with Kali Linux (Step-by-Step Guide)

Run Bug Bounty Recon in Docker with MagicRecon + Kali Linux

Want to isolate your bug bounty recon tools from your main system? Docker makes it dead simple. In this post, we’ll spin up a lightweight Kali Linux container, clone MagicRecon, and run full recon scans in a safe, disposable environment.

🐳 Why Use Docker for Recon Tools?

🛡️ Ethical Use Reminder: All tools and techniques discussed in this post are intended for ethical, legal, and educational use only. Only perform security testing on systems you own or have explicit permission to test. This content is for researchers, students, and professionals following responsible disclosure and legal guidelines.

Docker lets you run a clean, isolated environment for hacking tools. No mess on your system. No version conflicts. No worrying about what the install script is really doing. It’s like a throwaway virtual machine that launches in seconds.

MagicRecon is a recon automation script that wraps tools like subfinder, httpx, nuclei, and more. Running it inside Docker keeps your host clean while giving you full power.

🛠️ Create the Dockerfile

Start by creating a new folder to hold your Docker build files:

Now create a file called Dockerfile inside that folder with the following content:

This creates a custom Kali-based Docker image with MagicRecon cloned and ready to run inside /opt/magicrecon.

📦 Build the Docker Image

Inside the same folder, run the following to build your Docker image:

This tags your image as magicrecon so you can easily run it later.

🚀 Run MagicRecon in Docker

Launch the container interactively:

This drops you into a Kali shell with MagicRecon ready inside /opt/magicrecon. To view the contents, run:

🔧 Install the Tools

Inside the container, run the setup script:

This installs all dependencies MagicRecon needs, including subfinder, httpx, nuclei, and more.

🕵️ Run a Recon Scan

To start scanning a domain, use:

Replace example.com with your target. MagicRecon will automate the subdomain enumeration, HTTP probing, and vulnerability scanning steps for you.

💾 Save Output to Host

To keep scan results even after the container exits, mount a volume:

This saves the output to ~/magicrecon-output on your host.

📦 Conclusion

This setup gives you a clean, isolated Kali container running a powerful recon toolkit. No risk of breaking your host, no cluttered installs, and full control over your recon workflow. Perfect for bug bounty hunters, pentesters, and security enthusiasts who want to run fast, disposable scans.

To get back in: Just re-run your container:

• Try and if you’re curious you can also tweak the Dockerfile to add tools like amass, naabu, or your own scripts for even more firepower.

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