: The xampp-control.ini contains an entry for the text editor, which is set by default to notepad.exe . An attacker can modify this entry. For example, they can change it from Editor=notepad.exe to point to their own malicious executable, say: Editor=C:\Users\Public\malicious.bat or C:\path\to\shell.exe .
Attackers craft malicious PHP scripts or exploit input-validation gaps in hosted applications to trigger memory corruption.
: The user identifies that they can modify xampp-control.ini .
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and security awareness purposes only. Never attempt to exploit systems you do not own.
Insecure permissions allow unprivileged users to modify xampp-control.ini and replace the default editor with malicious executables. Denial of Service (DoS)
XAMPP version 7.4.6 resolves the critical CVE-2020-11107 local privilege escalation vulnerability found in earlier versions. While 7.4.6 mitigates this flaw, users should ensure proper configuration and security to avoid other potential vulnerabilities. Read the Apache Friends blog regarding the vulnerability at Apache Friends . Security vulnerability in XAMPP for Windows
The most effective and reliable fix for the CVE-2020-11107 and other known vulnerabilities is to upgrade your XAMPP installation to a :
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block XAMPP External" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 80,443 -Protocol TCP -Action Block -RemoteAddress Any
When you search for the term , you are entering a specific niche of cybersecurity history. While "746" does not refer to a standard CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) ID, it is widely interpreted in security forums and exploit databases as a reference to older, vulnerable builds of XAMPP that include outdated PHP versions (like 7.4.6) or specific Apache/Windows permission flaws.
: This exploit is actively being used "in the wild" to deliver malware such as Gh0st RAT , RedTail cryptominers , and the Muhstik botnet. 2. Local Privilege Escalation (CVE-2020-11107)
Ensure XAMPP is installed in a directory without spaces (e.g., C:\xampp ) to avoid path-based privilege escalation exploits.
: The most effective solution is to move to a version that supports PHP 8.1 or higher, as PHP 7.4 no longer receives official security updates.
XAMPP for Windows version 7.4.6 is historically susceptible to critical security flaws, most notably and CVE-2020-11107 , which can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges. Because PHP 7.4 reached its end-of-life in November 2022, users running this version are no longer receiving security patches, making these vulnerabilities permanent risks for unmanaged systems. Primary Vulnerabilities in XAMPP for Windows 7.4.6
Three years after PHP 7.4.6's peak, the remains a persistent threat due to developer inertia . Thousands of forgotten Windows VMs, abandoned home servers, and student projects still run this vulnerable stack. Script kiddies use automated scanners daily, looking for the telltale XAMPP dashboard on port 80.
: The xampp-control.ini contains an entry for the text editor, which is set by default to notepad.exe . An attacker can modify this entry. For example, they can change it from Editor=notepad.exe to point to their own malicious executable, say: Editor=C:\Users\Public\malicious.bat or C:\path\to\shell.exe .
Attackers craft malicious PHP scripts or exploit input-validation gaps in hosted applications to trigger memory corruption.
: The user identifies that they can modify xampp-control.ini .
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and security awareness purposes only. Never attempt to exploit systems you do not own. xampp for windows 746 exploit
Insecure permissions allow unprivileged users to modify xampp-control.ini and replace the default editor with malicious executables. Denial of Service (DoS)
XAMPP version 7.4.6 resolves the critical CVE-2020-11107 local privilege escalation vulnerability found in earlier versions. While 7.4.6 mitigates this flaw, users should ensure proper configuration and security to avoid other potential vulnerabilities. Read the Apache Friends blog regarding the vulnerability at Apache Friends . Security vulnerability in XAMPP for Windows
The most effective and reliable fix for the CVE-2020-11107 and other known vulnerabilities is to upgrade your XAMPP installation to a : : The xampp-control
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block XAMPP External" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 80,443 -Protocol TCP -Action Block -RemoteAddress Any
When you search for the term , you are entering a specific niche of cybersecurity history. While "746" does not refer to a standard CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) ID, it is widely interpreted in security forums and exploit databases as a reference to older, vulnerable builds of XAMPP that include outdated PHP versions (like 7.4.6) or specific Apache/Windows permission flaws.
: This exploit is actively being used "in the wild" to deliver malware such as Gh0st RAT , RedTail cryptominers , and the Muhstik botnet. 2. Local Privilege Escalation (CVE-2020-11107) Never attempt to exploit systems you do not own
Ensure XAMPP is installed in a directory without spaces (e.g., C:\xampp ) to avoid path-based privilege escalation exploits.
: The most effective solution is to move to a version that supports PHP 8.1 or higher, as PHP 7.4 no longer receives official security updates.
XAMPP for Windows version 7.4.6 is historically susceptible to critical security flaws, most notably and CVE-2020-11107 , which can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges. Because PHP 7.4 reached its end-of-life in November 2022, users running this version are no longer receiving security patches, making these vulnerabilities permanent risks for unmanaged systems. Primary Vulnerabilities in XAMPP for Windows 7.4.6
Three years after PHP 7.4.6's peak, the remains a persistent threat due to developer inertia . Thousands of forgotten Windows VMs, abandoned home servers, and student projects still run this vulnerable stack. Script kiddies use automated scanners daily, looking for the telltale XAMPP dashboard on port 80.