What is SQL injection (SQLi), and how can it be prevented?

What is SQL injection (SQLi)?

SQL injection is a sneaky technique where attackers exploit vulnerabilities in an application’s code to manipulate backend databases that rely on SQL (Structured Query Language). Imagine an attacker running a malicious database query, tricking it into revealing sensitive information or even altering critical data. That’s essentially what SQL injection (SQLi) is … an unauthorized command that hoodwinks your database into doing something it shouldn’t.

How do SQLi attacks happen?

Your website or application uses SQL to communicate with its database. This language allows it to retrieve, update, and manage data. However, if the application’s code isn’t carefully designed to prevent SQLi, attackers can inject malicious SQL code into seemingly harmless requests, like search queries or login forms.

For instance, a hacker might enter a username that ends in:

' OR '1'='1

This seemingly innocuous string tries to exploit a vulnerability in the code. The first single quote effectively closes the username field, and the OR '1'='1' part adds a condition that is always true. This tricks the database into bypassing authentication because it essentially says, “check if the entered username is valid OR if 1 equals 1.” Since 1 always equals 1, the condition is met, and the attacker gains unauthorized access. 

It’s not just company databases that are vulnerable to injection attacks. Hackers are now using a similar technique called “prompt injection” to attack company-implemented Large Language Models (LLMs).

The devastating impact of SQLi attacks

SQLi attacks can have severe consequences for businesses of all sizes:

• Data Breaches: Attackers can gain access to confidential customer data, financial records, and intellectual property.
• Data Manipulation: Hackers can modify or delete critical data, disrupting business operations and causing financial losses.
• Website Defacement: Attackers can take control of your website, damaging your brand reputation and customer trust.
• Compliance Violations: Data breaches resulting from SQLi attacks can lead to hefty fines and legal repercussions, especially in regulated industries.

Protecting your business against SQLi attacks

The good news is that SQLi attacks are preventable. Here are some key measures your business can take to enhance your cybersecurity efforts:

• Input Validation: Always sanitize user inputs to prevent malicious code from being processed.
• Prepared Statements: Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to separate data from SQL code, making it harder for attackers to inject malicious commands.
• Stored Procedures: Stored procedures typically help prevent SQL injection attacks by limiting the types of statements that can be passed to their parameters.
• Least Privilege Principle: Grant database users only the necessary permissions to perform their tasks, limiting the potential damage from an attack.
• Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conduct regular security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities in your applications and databases.
• Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Employ WAFs to filter malicious traffic and block SQLi attempts.
• Security Awareness Training: Educate your employees about the risks of SQLi and best practices for secure coding and data handling.

How to protect against SQLi threats

The threat of SQL injection is very real, and the consequences of an attack can be devastating. But unlike some cybersecurity threats, SQLi attacks are preventable. Protecting your business from SQL injection requires constant vigilance. When your IT team can’t be on guard 24/7, ThreatDown’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services can. Our MDR experts act as an extension of your in-house team, providing round-the-clock monitoring, threat detection, and incident response. 

Don’t wait for an attack to happen. Contact ThreatDown today to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your business from SQL injection and other cyber threats.