A SQL injection is a cyber attack that can destroy a company database. It is one of the most common website hacking techniques in which your sensitive data is exposed to an intruder by altering or stealing important database information. The unethical hacker essentially places a malicious code inside a SQL statement through web input, and then can potentially gain complete access to the database information.
What can it do?
If a cyber attack of SQL injection is successful, your sensitive data is at risk. The hacker can modify your database and perform operations such as insert, update, and delete commands. Furthermore, they could execute administrative operations such as shutting down your Database Management System. The range of malicious activities does not end here because a hacker can further recover any DBMS content. The worst case is when the hacker can issue commands to your operating system via this cyber attack.
How Does It Work?
There are many ways to run an SQL injection query for a cyber attack. Interestingly, most of these methods are very simple. Some of the most common methods are below:
The 1=1 Logic
A ubiquitous method of SQL injection is by exploiting the rule of 1=1. If there is no method to stop a user from entering a wrong input, they can manipulate the input data and launch a cyber attack. If the user enters input like 100 OR 1=1 then it will be correct. When this statement of user reaches your code, the ‘OR’ plays the role of a binary operator.
Thus, the statement 1=1 is true, and your database will return true, which will allow the hacker to enter it. It can be dangerous if your database contains passwords of your users or any other sensitive information.
The Batched SQL Statements
Some developers use batched SQL statements, which refer to a group of SQL statements linked together. In such statements, the result of one database prompts an action to another database. The hacker can smartly input a command to stimulate action to another database.
Using SQL Parameters for Protection
For protecting a website from an SQL injection attack, you can use SQL parameters. These are values that can be added at the time of execution to an SQL query in a controlled manner.
These parameters are shown in an SQL statement by the @ marker. The SQL engine checks each parameter to validate its correctness for its column. The parameters are treated literally and not as a part of SQL to be executed.
Consider getting a penetration test from a known supplier to help ensure protections from common web application security issues.