SQL Injection — Technology Wiki

Overview

Direct Answer

SQL injection is a code injection vulnerability that allows attackers to insert malicious SQL statements into input fields of database-driven applications, bypassing authentication or extracting unauthorised data. This occurs when user-supplied input is concatenated directly into SQL queries without proper sanitisation or parameterised preparation.

How It Works

Attackers craft specially formatted input strings containing SQL syntax that, when concatenated into a query, alter the intended logic. For example, entering a username field with ' OR '1'='1 changes a WHERE clause to always evaluate as true, circumventing login checks. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to distinguish between data and executable SQL commands.

Why It Matters

Organisations face significant financial and reputational damage from unauthorised database access, data breaches, and regulatory fines under standards such as GDPR and PCI DSS. Attackers exploit this technique to steal customer records, manipulate transactions, or disable critical systems with minimal technical effort.

Common Applications

This vulnerability affects web applications with login forms, search functionality, and content management systems. Financial services, healthcare platforms, and e-commerce systems remain frequent targets due to the sensitivity of stored information.

Key Considerations

Parameterised queries and prepared statements provide robust mitigation, though defence-in-depth strategies including input validation and least-privilege database accounts remain essential. Legacy applications and rapid development practices increase exposure risk.

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