Query Injection Attacks
An attack where malicious data is inserted into a query to manipulate or exploit databases.
Understanding Query Injection Attacks
Query injections take advantage of vulnerabilities in applications that improperly handle user-supplied data within queries. These attacks are commonly seen in database-driven applications, web forms, and APIs where user inputs are used to construct queries dynamically.
How Query Injection Works
Attackers craft malicious inputs that alter the structure of queries. For example, in SQL Injection, a vulnerable login form:
SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = '$input' AND password = '$input';
If the attacker inputs:
' OR '1'='1' --
The resulting SQL query becomes:
SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = '' OR '1'='1' -- AND password = '';
Since '1'='1' always evaluates to true, the attacker can bypass authentication and gain access.
Conclusion
Query Injection Attacks remain one of the most dangerous threats to web applications and databases. Proper input validation, secure coding practices, and robust security measures are essential to preventing these attacks and safeguarding sensitive data.