query once logged in to find where files are stored on the server. Sensitive Files : Search for config.inc.php
phpMyAdmin is one of the most widely used web-based administration tools for MySQL and MariaDB databases. Because it sits directly in front of critical data and often runs with high privileges, it is a primary target for security auditors and attackers alike.
Turn on the general log and point the log file to the web root:
PHPMyAdmin allows users to execute PHP code through the "phpmyadmin" database.
Maya understood the phrase in the way a locksmith understands a skeleton key. HackTricks was a ragged anthology of old tricks and newer horrors, a ledger kept by people who learned to pry open systems and then taught others how to do the same — sometimes for defense, sometimes for mischief. “Verified” meant someone had tested the exploit; it was stamped in a community that never stamped anything lightly.
PHPMyAdmin hacktricks can be used to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or execute malicious code. By understanding the types of vulnerabilities that PHPMyAdmin is prone to and implementing best practices for security, you can help prevent these hacktricks from being successful. If you're concerned about the security of your PHPMyAdmin installation, consider consulting with a security expert or following the recommended security guidelines.
regarding session files. He knew that phpMyAdmin stores session data in /var/lib/php/sessions/
This essay explores the security landscape of , guided by the structured methodologies found in the HackTricks knowledge base. As a ubiquitous web-based interface for MySQL and MariaDB, phpMyAdmin is a frequent target for security audits and malicious exploitation. The Role of phpMyAdmin in Modern Infrastructure
In phpMyAdmin 4.8.0–4.8.4, an LFI vulnerability allowed attackers to read arbitrary files without logging in.
Regularly check for new security releases (e.g., the recent PMASA-2025-3 advisory regarding glibc/iconv).
Based on documented penetration testing techniques, several key vectors define the phpMyAdmin attack surface:
Before attempting any exploitation, you must gather data about the target instance to map out your attack surface. Version Detection
Identifying the exact version of phpMyAdmin is crucial, as many exploits are version-specific.
: The MySQL user must have the FILE privilege and the secure_file_priv global variable must be empty. Payload Example :
