Here is the story of how a single misconfiguration in phpMyAdmin can lead to a total system compromise. 1. The Open Gate
Use double LOAD_FILE(concat(CHAR(47),'etc',CHAR(47),'passwd')) if quote filtered.
Once inside the dashboard, the goal isn't just to look at data—it's to escape the database and reach the underlying operating system. The first step in the HackTricks playbook is checking the tab. The attacker looks for the secure_file_priv The "Verified" Win: If this variable is phpmyadmin hacktricks verified
Then, he noticed something in the server headers: an outdated version of phpMyAdmin. He cross-referenced this with the HackTricks database and found a verified entry for CVE-2018-12613 , a local file inclusion (LFI) vulnerability.
The fastest way to own phpMyAdmin is still manual: try root:root , then SELECT "<?php eval($_POST[1]);?>" INTO OUTFILE . Automating beyond that is often slower. Here is the story of how a single
phpMyAdmin remains a popular entry point for attackers, but its "hacktricks" are well-understood and . The techniques above – from default credentials and LFI to file-based RCE and log injection – have been tested against real-world versions. For defenders, verifying these attack paths in your own environment is the only way to ensure you are truly secure.
Checking /ChangeLog to see the historical update path. 2. Authentication Testing and Credentials Once inside the dashboard, the goal isn't just
Run a query containing PHP code: SELECT '';
When secure_file_priv is NULL, use this method.
/setup/index.php (Can allow unauthorized configuration if not locked down)
Create a MySQL UDF that executes system commands.
