Phpmyadmin Hacktricks Verified Review

When configuration flaws aren't present, unpatched software vulnerabilities offer a direct path to exploitation. CVE-2018-12613: Local File Inclusion (LFI)

Query tables that might store API keys or plaintext credentials for integrated services.

Once inside, the goal shifts to escalating privileges or stealing data. Executing Code with SQL

phpMyAdmin allows arbitrary file reads when the "open_basedir" restriction is not enabled. An attacker can read sensitive files to extract sensitive information. phpmyadmin hacktricks verified

Attackers can escalate LFI to RCE by injecting PHP payloads into the database and including the resulting session file (e.g., /var/lib/php5/sess_ SQL Injection (SQLi):

The /setup/ directory is used during installation to configure servers. If left accessible and write-enabled, an attacker can manipulate the configuration:

Several historic and verified vulnerabilities allow for severe exploitation under specific conditions. CVE-2018-12613: Local File Inclusion (LFI) 4.8.0 to 4.8.1 Executing Code with SQL phpMyAdmin allows arbitrary file

One of the most famous phpMyAdmin flaws allows authenticated users to include local files via the target parameter.

When configuration-level exploits (like file writes) are blocked by system hardening, specific unpatched software versions can be targeted using verified CVEs. CVE-2018-12613: Local File Inclusion (LFI) to RCE 4.8.0 to 4.8.1

Use directory brute-forcing tools (like Gobuster, Feroxbuster, or Dirbuster) to locate hidden or misconfigured setups. Look for common installation paths: /phpmyadmin/ /pma/ /admin/phpmyadmin/ /mysql/ /dbadmin/ 2. Exploiting Weak Authentication If left accessible and write-enabled, an attacker can

: Once LFI is confirmed, attackers "poison" their session by running a SQL query like SELECT ''; . They then use LFI to include their own session file (e.g., /var/lib/php/sessions/sess_[SESSION_ID] ), executing the injected PHP code. 3. Post-Auth Exploitation: "Into Outfile"

$cfg['Servers'][$i]['auth_type'] = 'config'; $cfg['Servers'][$i]['user'] = 'root'; $cfg['Servers'][$i]['password'] = 'Sup3rStr0ng!';

Sometimes an attacker only gets low-priv database access but no file write. Still dangerous.