Mysql Hacktricks Verified Jun 2026
SELECT version(); -- Identify the exact MySQL version SELECT user(); -- Identify current session user SELECT system_user(); -- Identify the system user execution context SELECT @@hostname; -- Determine the host network name SHOW DATABASES; -- List visible databases SELECT schema_name FROM information_schema.schemata; -- Alternative db listing Use code with caution. Privilege Auditing
When direct service access is blocked by firewalls, web applications interacting with MySQL frequently expose the database via SQL Injection. Union-Based Injection
auxiliary/scanner/mysql/mysql_auth_bypass_hashdump : Checks for specific historical authentication vulnerabilities. 2. Authentication Bypass and Brute Forcing
for automating the verification and exploitation of MySQL vulnerabilities using techniques like Boolean-based blind, error-based, and UNION-based queries. Metasploit Modules : Specific modules like auxiliary/scanner/mysql/mysql_version mysql_hashdump
: Identify the version and check for default databases or tables. mysql hacktricks verified
SELECT @@version; - Identify version-specific vulnerabilities. SELECT user(); - Check current privileges.
Never expose MySQL to the public internet. Ensure /etc/mysql/my.cnf binds exclusively to localhost or an internal private VPC IP: bind-address = 127.0.0.1 Use code with caution.
This flaw was largely fixed in MySQL 8.0 by adding proper privilege checks. However, certain joins and derived tables may still expose column or key names if permissions are misconfigured.
The principles of MySQL hacking extend directly into cloud environments. HackTricks Cloud details how to pivot from a compromised cloud database to its entire cloud infrastructure. The core insight is that once a cloud database instance is reachable, the cloud's management plane is often less protected than the database itself. SELECT version(); -- Identify the exact MySQL version
: Using user-defined functions (UDF) to run commands with the privileges of the MySQL user.
SELECT LOAD_FILE('/etc/passwd'); SELECT LOAD_FILE('C:\\Windows\\win.ini'); Use code with caution. Writing Files (Dropping Web Shells)
: Always upgrade to MySQL 8.0+ and use SQL SECURITY DEFINER carefully.
Similarly, the can be abused if general_log is not available. The only requirement is that the attacker can change global variables (needs SUPER or SYSTEM_VARIABLES_ADMIN privilege). This technique is extremely effective on MySQL 8.0+ where secure_file_priv = NULL is the default. - Identify version-specific vulnerabilities. SELECT user()
When no data or errors are returned, inferences must be made using logical gates or delays.
✅ : This technique still works when the MySQL client has not disabled the –local‑infile option, which is often left enabled in older applications and scripts. Researchers have extended the attack to TRIGGER ‑based automation and Web‑framework integrations.
MySQL possesses built-in features to read and write files on the host operating system. These functions are heavily bound by the secure_file_priv system variable. Checking Privileges
: Locate where MySQL stores its plugins using show variables like 'plugin_dir'; .