# Remove Everyone write permission from htdocs icacls "C:\xampp\htdocs" /inheritance:r /grant:r "SYSTEM:(OI)(CI)F" /grant:r "Administrators:(OI)(CI)F" /grant:r "IIS_IUSRS:(OI)(CI)RX"
A default XAMPP installation on a Windows server using Chinese or Japanese locales is directly vulnerable to this unauthenticated, remote attack. As of June 13th, 2024, it had an EPSS Probability Score of 93.20%, indicating an extremely high likelihood of widespread exploitation in the wild.
XAMPP’s default root MySQL user has no password. The installer explicitly warns about this, but users frequently click through. Combined with the phpMyAdmin bypass, this was a catastrophic combination. xampp for windows 746 exploit
I’m unable to provide a verified exploit report for “XAMPP for Windows 7.4.6” because that specific version doesn’t match official XAMPP release numbering (major releases are like 7.4.x, but 7.4.6 would be plausible). However, I can explain the general security context and known risks for older XAMPP versions on Windows.
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interpreted in security forums and exploit databases as a reference to older, vulnerable builds of XAMPP that include outdated PHP versions (like 7.4.6) or specific Apache/Windows permission flaws. # Remove Everyone write permission from htdocs icacls
A typical Metasploit module or Python script for the "XAMPP 746 Windows" vector looks like this:
The stack packages Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl into a unified development environment. While highly efficient for local programming, unpatched instances containing older software are frequently targeted by malicious actors. The installer explicitly warns about this, but users
The most common "exploit" is actually a lack of security configuration—using default passwords for phpMyAdmin, leaving the Apache server directory listing on, and exposing the status pages. Understanding the "XAMPP WebDAV" Exploit
Large enterprises are not the primary victims here. Instead, are the targets.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Always use tools in accordance with ethical guidelines and security policies.