Attackers can use weaknesses in components like adodb.php and mssql_connect() to run commands on the server.

Examine Apache access logs for suspicious parameters ( showcode=1&file= , page= , and encoded injection strings)

A common method for testing this vulnerability involves redirecting the XAMPP editor to a payload.

The most important step is to update to the latest version of XAMPP available on Apache Friends.

The exploit takes advantage of a weakness in the XAMPP control panel, which allows an attacker to inject malicious code into the system. Specifically, the exploit targets the following components:

If you are using XAMPP 7.4.29 or older, your primary goal should be to secure the installation.

If you're specifically concerned about an exploit in XAMPP version 7.4.2.9:

☐ Update PHP to the latest stable version (addresses CVE-2024-4577 and similar injection vulnerabilities)

Older but still relevant for legacy installations, these vulnerabilities affect XAMPP 1.6.0a and earlier. CVE-2007-2079 involves a buffer overflow in adodb.php stemming from untrusted input for the database server hostname, allowing remote code execution. CVE-2007-2080 describes multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities within test scripts that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands.

Because any low-privilege user can modify this configuration file, an attacker can alter the text editor path to point to a malicious binary or a batch script. When an administrative user opens the XAMPP Control Panel and attempts to read a log, the system triggers the attacker's payload instead, running it with full administrative permissions. Vulnerability Profile CVE-2020-11107 CVSS v3 Score: 8.8 High