SQL Injection: A Critical
Threat in Web Application
Security
What is SQL Injection (SQLi)?
SQL Injection, or SQLi, is a pervasive web security vulnerability where attackers cunningly insert malicious SQL code into input fields
to manipulate database queries. This insidious attack allows them to bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, and even take full
control of the database.
Database Manipulation Unauthorized Access
Attackers can alter database queries to access, modify, or Bypass login mechanisms and gain unauthorised entry to
delete crucial information. sensitive systems and user accounts.
Data Exfiltration System Compromise
Steal confidential data such as customer details, financial In severe cases, attackers can gain complete control over the
records, and intellectual property. compromised server.
For example, an attacker might input ' OR 1=1 -- into a login field, tricking the system into authenticating them without valid credentials
and retrieving all user records instead of just one.
Types of SQL Injection Attacks
In-band SQLi Inferential (Blind) SQLi Out-of-band SQLi
This is the most common and In this method, no direct data is This is the least common type, used
straightforward type, where attackers returned to the attacker. Instead, they when attackers cannot rely on the same
use the same communication channel infer information by observing the channel to retrieve results. They force
to launch the attack and retrieve results. database's response or behaviour, such the database server to send data to an
Examples include Error-based SQLi as time delays or boolean-based external endpoint they control, typically
(relying on database error messages) true/false outcomes. This is a slower but via DNS or HTTP requests, creating an
and UNION-based SQLi (using UNION often more stealthy attack. "out-of-band" communication channel.
SELECT statements to combine
legitimate and malicious queries).
Detecting & Exploiting SQLi Vulnerabilities
Identifying SQLi vulnerabilities is a critical step in securing web applications. Both manual and automated techniques are employed to
uncover these weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them.
Manual Testing
Security professionals manually inject specific characters
like ', ", OR 1=1, or time-delay payloads (SLEEP(5)) into
input fields to observe abnormal database responses or
delays. This requires a deep understanding of SQL.
Automated Scanners
Tools like Burp Suite Scanner, SQLmap, and Acunetix can
rapidly scan web applications for known SQLi patterns and
automatically identify potential vulnerabilities across
numerous endpoints.
Effective detection often involves a combination of these
3 approaches, leveraging the precision of manual analysis with
the speed and coverage of automated tools to create a robust
Vulnerable Points security posture.
Attackers commonly target input fields that directly interact
with database queries. This includes login forms, search
bars, URL parameters, and any data submitted via WHERE
clauses, INSERT/UPDATE values, or ORDER BY clauses.
Preventing SQL Injection: Best Practices
Proactive prevention is the most effective defence against SQL Injection attacks. Implementing robust coding practices and security
measures is paramount to safeguarding web applications and sensitive data.
1 Parameterized Queries & Prepared Statements
This is the golden rule. Use prepared statements with parameterized queries for all database interactions. This separates user-
supplied input from the SQL query logic, preventing malicious code from being interpreted as part of the command.
2 Least Privilege Principle
Ensure database accounts used by applications have only the minimum necessary privileges. Avoid using administrative-level
access for routine operations, limiting the damage an attacker can inflict if a breach occurs.
3 Input Validation & Sanitization
Rigorously validate and sanitise all user inputs. Implement whitelisting (allowing only known good inputs) rather than
blacklisting (blocking known bad inputs) to ensure only expected data formats are processed.
4 Regular Updates & Error Handling
Keep all software components, including operating systems, web servers, database systems, and application libraries, updated
to their latest versions. Additionally, disable detailed error messages in production environments to prevent attackers from
gaining insights into your database structure.
5 Security Testing
Regularly conduct security testing, including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning. Utilise guides like the OWASP
Testing Guide and employ security scanners to identify and remediate potential SQLi vulnerabilities proactively.
SQL Injection Example
Imagine a website has a login form that asks for a username and a password. The application uses the input to build an SQL query to
check if the user exists in the database.
Vulnerable Query: The application constructs a query string like this, which is vulnerable to SQLi: "SELECT * FROM users WHERE
username = '" + username + "' AND password = '" + password + "';"
The Attack: An attacker enters the following malicious input into the username field: ' OR 1=1; -- and leaves the password field blank.
The single quote (') closes the username part of the original SQL query.
OR 1=1 adds a condition that is always true, so the WHERE clause becomes true for all users.
The double dash (--) is a comment marker in SQL, which causes the rest of the original query (including the password check) to be
ignored.
The final query that the database executes becomes: "SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = '' OR 1=1; --' AND password = '';"
Because
1=1 is always true, the database returns all user records. This allows the attacker to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized
access to the system.
Prevention using a Parameterized Query
The most effective way to prevent this attack is to use a
parameterized query or prepared statement. This separates the user-supplied input from the SQL query's logic.
Prepared Statement: Instead of building a single string, the application defines the query structure with placeholders (like ? or :name):
"SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = ? AND password = ?;"
The application then sends the query structure and the user's input separately to the database. The database engine treats the input
as raw data, not executable SQL code. Even if the attacker enters
' OR 1=1; --, the database will search for a username that is literally ' OR 1=1; -- and a blank password, which is highly unlikely to exist.
This prevents the malicious code from being interpreted as part of the command.
