UNION SELECT 1,2,3,concat(user(),0x3a,database(),0x3a,version()),5,6-- -
Determine the number of columns and extract structural data:
: Defines the system user that runs the MySQL service.
Then read it via SSH if you have shell access. mysql hacktricks verified
Attackers with FILE privilege can write malicious configuration files that get loaded on server restart, leading to root privilege escalation.
: Once connected, use built-in commands to map the database structure: show databases; use ; show tables; describe ; . 2. Verified MySQL Injection Techniques
Mastering MySQL Exploitation: A Comprehensive Guide Based on HackTricks Techniques : Once connected, use built-in commands to map
In MySQL 8+, UDFs require manual function registration and stricter permissions.
SELECT '' INTO OUTFILE '/var/www/html/shell.php'; Use code with caution. 6. Achieving Remote Code Execution (RCE) via UDF
Error‑based injection is powerful when UNION queries are blocked but error messages are displayed. Use functions that deliberately cause data type conversion errors to leak data. SELECT ' ' INTO OUTFILE '/var/www/html/shell
According to Rapid7's research, more than of identified MySQL servers were found not to enforce host‑based access controls. Among those, thousands of 64‑bit Ubuntu servers remain unpatched and fully vulnerable.
This vulnerability allows privilege escalation from the mysql system account to root through unsafe error‑log handling. The exploit works when file‑based logging is configured (default) and syslog logging is not enabled.
: Using SLEEP() or BENCHMARK() functions to detect vulnerabilities by measuring the server's response time. WAF Bypass Tricks :