SQL injection (SQLi) attacks exploit existing vulnerabilities to alter SQL queries by injecting malicious code. If successful, SQL injection attacks can allow the cyber attackers to modify database information, access sensitive data, execute administrator tasks on the database, and recover files from the target system. In extreme cases, attackers can also issue commands to the database operating system.
In order to defend against SQL injection attacks, it is imperative to understand the working of the attack.
How Does A SQL Injection Attack Work?
Cyber criminals may use several different types of SQL injections to execute an attack. Here are some common variants of SQL injections:
- SQL Injection Based On User Input: In this type of SQL attack, the user inputs are used to inject malicious code and gain access to the system. Web applications accept user inputs via forms. The information collected by these forms is then passed on to the database for processing. If the web application server does not screen the forms, the attacker can inject SQL statements via user input form fields and delete, copy, or modify the contents of the database.
- SQL Injection Based On Cookies: In this approach to SQL injection, the cookies are modified to infect database queries. Web applications often load cookies to use data stored in them as part of database operations. The malicious users or a malware installed on the system can modify the cookies to inject SQL statement in the backend database. Once infected, cyber attackers can access the database to steal, modify or delete the data stored in the database.
- SQL Injection Based On HTTP Headers: Some web applications are designed to accept inputs from HTTP headers. In such cases, malicious actors create fake headers containing arbitrary SQL statements. When the web application accepts input from these fake HTTP headers, the malicious code is injected into the database.
- Second Order SQL Injection: These are most complex SQL injection attacks because they are designed in a way that allows the SQL code to lie dormant in the system for a long time.
What Is The Impact Of SQL Injection Attacks?
SQL injection attacks can cause various harms to the victim system:
- Steal user credentials resulting in identity theft.
- Access information stored in database server.
- Alter or add new information to infected database.
- Delete database records leading to DoS attacks.
For more information on SQL injection attack, call Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.
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