A form of attack known as SQL Injection occurs when a hacker inserts malicious SQL code into a database query used by a vulnerable application. This may lead to data loss or corruption, or even illegal access to private information. One of the most prevalent forms of attacks on online applications is SQL Injection, which can have detrimental effects on the organizations that are affected.
How do SQL Injection Attacks Work?
An SQL injection attack aims to compromise a system by inadvertently adding malicious SQL code to a field on a web form that a user submits. The database subsequently executes this code, giving hackers access to read and alter private data. By providing input that unexpectedly alters the original SQL query, they gain access to the database or carry out other harmful actions.
How to Perform Security Testing to Check SQL Injection?
We have to identify the system’s weak points before inserting malicious SQL code into the database to perform security testing. Malicious SQL code can cause harm to a system if it is susceptible to SQL injection attacks.
Any field can access the database on a website. A system’s or website’s database query receives any input or submitted data. It could therefore be performed without the proper data and have negative effects if we enter any malicious code into the database.
Types of SQL Injections
- In-Band SQLi (classic)
- Inferential SQLi (Blind)
- Out-of-Band SQLi
1) In-Band SQLi
The hacker collected data and launched cyberattacks using the same communications channel. The simplicity and quickness of in-band SQL injection make it one of the most prevalent forms of SQL injection attacks.
There are two subcategories for this approach:
a) Error-based SQL injection:
The hacker performs actions that result in error codes being generated by the system. By using the information provided by these error codes, the attacker can gain knowledge about the database.
b) Union-based SQLi
This technique takes advantage of the UNION SQL operator, which combines multiple select queries that the database sends out to generate a single HTTP response. The information in this response might be useful to the attacker.
2) Inferential SQL injection (Blind):
The attacker sends data payloads and watches how the server responds and behaves to deduce the server’s architecture and structure. The attacker is unable to obtain information about the attack in-band since the data is not transmitted to them via a webpage. Some examples of blind SQL Injections are as follows:
a) Boolean
The hacker formulates an SQL query to the database, asking it to produce outcomes. Depending on if the query is true (right) or false (incorrect), the results will vary. Depending on what happens, the information in the HTTP response may change or stay the same. Afterward, the attacker can confirm if the message produced a true (correct) or false (incorrect) result.
b) Time-based
The hacker sends a SQL query to the database, which makes it wait a predetermined period (measured in seconds) for a response. Based on how long it takes the system to respond, the attacker can then determine if a command is real or false. Based on the outcomes, an HTTP response will be sent instantly or after a hold period.
3) Out-of-band SQLi
This kind of attack is only possible if specific features of the database server that the web application uses are activated. This kind of attack is usually used as a fallback against inferential and in-band SQL assaults.
Not in the band When a server is too sluggish or unstable to conduct an attack and gather data over the same channel, SQLi is utilized. These techniques depend on the server’s capacity to transmit data to an attacker via DNS or HTTP queries.
The Best SQL Injection (SQLi ) Detection Tools
Here we share 04 top SQL Injection tools that help you in the detection.
1) Burp Scanner
SQL injection detection is one of the features of the web application security testing tool Burp Scanner. SQL injection vulnerabilities of many kinds, such as blind and time-based SQL injection, can be found in it. Its vulnerabilities can be tested using Burp Scanner’s extensive catalog of attack payloads. Additionally, users can manage and track vulnerabilities with its user-friendly interface.
2) Sqlmap
Security experts and penetration testers frequently utilize SQLmap, a well-liked open-source SQL injection detection tool. It is capable of identifying and taking advantage of SQL injection flaws in online apps and databases. Strong detection capabilities in SQLmap allow it to find and take advantage of SQL injection vulnerabilities automatically. Additionally, it is capable of carrying out a number of tests, including executing arbitrary instructions, extracting data from the database, and fingerprinting the database management system.
3) jSQL Injection
jSQL injection is a lightweight and easy-to-use SQL injection tool. SQL injection vulnerabilities of all kinds, including error-based, time-based, and blind SQL injection. The user-friendly interface of jSQL Injection makes it simple for users to check web applications for vulnerabilities. It also offers thorough reports and correction recommendations.
4) Invicti
Web application security testing, including SQL injection detection, is offered by the cloud-based application security platform Invicti. To find SQL injection vulnerabilities, it combines automated scanning with human testing. Professionals in security and development can effortlessly monitor and handle vulnerabilities with Invicti’s user-friendly interface. To assist in fixing vulnerabilities, it also offers thorough reports and repair recommendations.
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