Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix: Error when installing metasploit-framework on Mac Yosemite

Error when installing metasploit-framework on Mac Yosemite

Quick Answer: Check if the Android SDK is properly installed and configured, as it is required for the stagers module.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🔍 Why This Happens
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

The error message '/usr/local/share/metasploit-framework/modules/payloads/stagers/android/reverse_tcp.rb:38:in `generate_jar': android/apk/classes.dex not found (RuntimeError)' occurs when attempting to run the metasploit framework on a Mac Yosemite system. This issue affects users who have followed the installation instructions provided by the author of the tutorial, which is available at http://hackerforhire.com.au/installing-metasploit-framework-on-os-x-yosemite/

This error can be frustrating for security professionals and penetration testers as it prevents them from using the metasploit framework to test their skills. However, with the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to work.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The primary cause of this error is that the Android SDK is not properly installed or configured on your Mac Yosemite system. The metasploit framework relies on the Android SDK to generate the necessary classes.dex file for the android/reverse_tcp payload.
  • Another possible reason for this error could be that there are issues with the Java Development Kit (JDK) installation, which is required by the Android SDK.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Installing and Configuring the Android SDK

  1. Step 1: Download and install the latest version of the Android SDK from the official website: https://developer.android.com/studio/index.html. Make sure to select the 'SDK Tools' option during installation.
  2. Step 2: Once installed, navigate to the SDK Tools directory (usually located at '/Applications/Android/Sdk') and find the 'platform-tools' folder.
  3. Step 3: Copy the 'platform-tools' folder to a location of your choice (e.g., '/usr/local/bin/') using the `cp` command: `sudo cp -r /Applications/Android/Sdk/platform-tools /usr/local/bin/`.
  4. Step 4: Add the Android SDK tools to your system's PATH environment variable. You can do this by adding the following line to your shell configuration file (usually located at '~/.bashrc' or '~/.zshrc'): `export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin/`.
  5. Step 5: Restart your terminal or run the command `source ~/.bashrc` (or `source ~/.zshrc`) to apply the changes.

Alternative Fix Method: Updating Java Development Kit (JDK)

  1. Step 1: Check if you have the latest version of the JDK installed by running the command `java -version` in your terminal.
  2. Step 2: If an older version is found, download and install the latest version from the official Oracle website: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-downloads.html.
  3. Step 3: Follow the installation instructions for the JDK to ensure it is properly configured on your system.

✨ Wrapping Up

After following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully run the metasploit framework. Remember to restart your terminal or run `source ~/.bashrc` (or `source ~/.zshrc`) after making any changes to your shell configuration file.

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