: If the secure_file_priv variable is empty, you can write a PHP web shell directly to the web root:
This query writes a PHP shell script to the server's file system, which can then be executed via a web browser.
Look for exposed backup files or configuration files left behind by administrators:
Ensure the MySQL user used by phpMyAdmin does not have the FILE privilege. phpmyadmin hacktricks
username: admin%00 password: anything
Beyond authentication, a more dangerous class of tricks exploits the tool’s legitimate features. If an attacker successfully logs in, they do not immediately dump tables; they think laterally. For instance, using INTO OUTFILE or INTO DUMPFILE SQL commands, an attacker can write a malicious PHP web shell directly onto the web server. The trick is to find the server’s web root directory (e.g., /var/www/html/ ) and execute a query like: SELECT "<?php system($_GET['cmd']); ?>" INTO OUTFILE "/var/www/html/shell.php" . Suddenly, the database management tool becomes a launchpad for remote code execution (RCE). Defenders can mitigate this by ensuring the MySQL user does not have FILE privilege, configuring the secure_file_priv directive to restrict file operations to a safe directory, and properly separating database and web server permissions.
user wants a long article about "phpmyadmin hacktricks". This suggests a need for comprehensive, technical content covering security issues, exploitation techniques, and penetration testing of phpMyAdmin. I need to search for relevant information. I'll follow the search plan provided in the hint. initial search results provide some information, but they are not as comprehensive as I would like. I need to gather more detailed information on various aspects. I will follow the next steps in the search plan, which involve opening specific URLs and performing additional searches. search results have provided a substantial amount of information. I will now structure the article. I will cover introduction, reconnaissance, authentication attacks, vulnerabilities, privilege escalation, post-exploitation, hardening, detection, and conclusion. I will cite relevant sources. is a long, technical article on hacking phpMyAdmin. It's structured as a comprehensive guide, covering reconnaissance, exploitation, and defense. : If the secure_file_priv variable is empty, you
This article covers the complete phpMyAdmin penetration testing methodology, from initial discovery and information gathering to access methods, webshell injection, privilege escalation, and post‑exploitation strategies. All techniques described are for educational and authorised testing purposes only.
Comprehensive Guide to phpMyAdmin Penetration Testing: The HackTricks Approach
: An attacker could include their own session file (which contains the user's data) after executing a query like SELECT ''; . This results in the session file containing executable PHP code. phpMyAdmin If an attacker successfully logs in, they do
phpMyAdmin can also be used to launch SQL injection attacks. For example, an attacker may use phpMyAdmin to inject malicious SQL code into a database.
In 2025 and early 2026, security reports for phpMyAdmin have transitioned from simple misconfigurations to complex edge-case vulnerabilities, such as those involving library interactions and specific feature abuse. While classic "HackTricks" methods like SELECT ... INTO OUTFILE
After gaining execution, the focus shifts to expanding control.
Automated directory brute-forcing tools (e.g., Gobuster, Feroxbuster) should be used to scan for exposed configurations and backups:
To prevent SQL injection attacks, it's essential to use prepared statements and parameterized queries.