SQL Injection Overview

What is SQL Injection?

• A serious vulnerability affecting web applications.
• Attackers execute unintended code by injecting malicious SQL commands.
• Can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or modification of it.
• Critical for web developers to address this vulnerability.

Agenda for the Tutorial

1. What is SQL Injection?
2. How does a SQL Injection attack work?
3. Types of SQL Injection attacks.
4. Detection and prevention of SQL Injection.
5. Real-life examples of SQL Injection.
6. Impact of SQL Injection attacks.

Understanding SQL Injection

• Technique to manipulate web applications' database queries.
• Attackers inject SQL code into input fields, gaining unauthorized commands.
• Target web applications that use SQL databases (MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server).

How SQL Injection Attacks Work

• Attackers study the targeted database structure.
• Craft SQL queries that the server interprets as legitimate commands.
• Example: Inputting 1 OR 1=1 -- can bypass authentication and retrieve all data.

Simplified Example

• A website with a search feature:
  • Normal SQL query: SELECT * FROM products WHERE name LIKE '%user_input%'.
  • Vulnerable to SQL injection: SELECT * FROM products WHERE name LIKE '%1 OR 1=1 --%'.
• Attacker can manipulate the query to retrieve all products.

Types of SQL Injection Attacks

1. In-band SQL Injection:

   • Includes error-based and union-based attacks.
   • Attackers use the same channel to collect results.

2. Inferential SQL Injection (Blind SQL Injection):

   • Involves sending data payloads to observe responses without seeing results.
   • Can be Boolean-based or time-based.

3. Out-of-band SQL Injection:

   • Used when in-band SQL injection is not possible.
   • Attackers leverage channels like DNS or HTTP requests.

Detecting and Preventing SQL Injection Attacks

• Training Employees: Educate teams on attack vectors and prevention techniques.
• Input Validation: Use allow list approach and parameterized queries to separate SQL code from user input.
• Regular Security Scans: Identify and address vulnerabilities in web applications.
• Keep Software Updated: Ensure all software has the latest security patches.

Real-life Examples of SQL Injection Attacks

1. Tesla (2014): SQL injection vulnerability allowed unauthorized access to user data.
2. Fortnite (2019): Vulnerability could have enabled access to user accounts; promptly patched.
3. Cisco (2018): SQL injection gave attackers shell access to systems; addressed swiftly.

Impact of SQL Injection Attacks

• Unauthorized Access: Sensitive information can be accessed.
• Data Breaches: Exposure of confidential data.
• Data Manipulation: Potential for deletion or alteration of data.
• Network Compromise: Can lead to overall system compromise.
• Loss of Customer Trust: Revenue and reputation may suffer.
• Long-term Consequences: Ongoing damage to business.

Conclusion

• Awareness and action are crucial against SQL injection.
• Developers should educate themselves on best practices for web application security.
• Continuous learning is essential for career advancement in cybersecurity.