Libad5343

Little Bobby Tables

Posted on APRIL 11, 2007 inTechniques

SQL injection is a type of cyber attack in which an attacker injects malicious code into a website's SQL database through a vulnerable input field, such as a login form or search bar. The attacker can then use this access to steal sensitive information, manipulate data, or even take control of the entire website.

For example, consider a website that has a login form that takes a username and password as input. The website's server then uses this input to query the SQL database to check if the provided credentials match those stored in the database. However, if the input fields are not properly validated and sanitized, an attacker could enter malicious SQL code into the username or password field, such as:

1. username: admin' OR '1'='1'
2. password: anything

This code would cause the server to query the database with:

1. SELECT * FROM users WHERE username='admin' OR '1'='1' AND password='anything'

And return all the rows from the table users, effectively bypassing the login and giving the attacker access to sensitive information.

It's also important to keep your software and third-party plugins up to date, as vulnerabilities in these components can also be exploited by attackers. Additionally, it is recommended to use a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block known SQL injection attacks.

Another example is when a website allows users to search for products by name or category. An attacker could take advantage of a vulnerable search bar by injecting malicious code such as:

1. name: ' OR 1=1 --

This code would cause the server to query the database with:

1. SELECT * FROM products WHERE name='' OR 1=1 --'

This would return all the rows from the table products, and the attacker could access sensitive information such as prices, stock, etc.

Preventing SQL injection attacks requires careful attention to the way that a website's input fields are designed and implemented. This includes ensuring that input fields are properly validated and sanitized to prevent malicious code from being executed, as well as using prepared statements or stored procedures to process user input.

It's also important to keep your software and third-party plugins up to date, as vulnerabilities in these components can also be exploited by attackers. Additionally, it is recommended to use a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block known SQL injection attacks.

In conclusion, SQL injection is a serious threat to the security of any website that uses a SQL database. It is important for website developers and administrators to take steps to protect against this type of attack, including properly validating and sanitizing input fields and using prepared statements or stored procedures to process user input. Additionally, keeping software and third-party plugins up to date, and implementing a WAF can provide an extra layer of protection.