What is SQL injection?

SQL injection To protect your data from hackers, you should only share it through encrypted forms on trusted web pages. However, even if those websites’ owners do not take steps to protect their database, your personal information may still be at risk.

With SQL Injection, which only takes a few lines of code, any known web page can be compromised by hackers, and you and your data may end up in the wrong hands.

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SQL injection hosts malicious code in applications hosted on web pages to attack those web pages and collect user data. Hackers execute SQL injection attacks for various reasons.

In addition to data breaches, they can use this technology to feed false information into application databases, extract critical information, or deny access to application databases’ owners or creators. To do this, they have to detect and exploit some security vulnerabilities in the target application software.

Simplified Structured Query Languages, SQL is a language created explicitly for entering data and modifying a database’s contents. Web pages and applications hosted on them depend on databases to store all their data and provide service to the end-user.

SQL plays an essential role in this process because it allows the user to locate specific content in the database. For example, if you are looking for a particular product in an online store, your search term and your Preferences (size, weight, etc.). ) It will be formatted in SQL.

As the name suggests, SQL injection attacks attack those SQL databases. Hackers responsible for the attacks exploit the lack of input validation filters by so-called escape characters (such as negative feedback) to inject their code into the system.

Depending on their goals, hackers can code so that every time an end-user enters a search request, they can access their registration data, or a part of the database is destroyed. SQL injection can also be used to spread malware through infected pages.

Although they are easy to stop, SQL injection attacks are a significant threat that has affected many reputable companies and media and their users. Experts estimate that more than half of all cyberattacks today are carried out with SQL injection techniques.

Most WordPress blogs and e-commerce sites attack. According to 2014 data, a single attack can cost around $ 200,000.

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What are the types of SQL injection attacks?

Depending on their performance, SQL injection attacks can be organized into five main types.

1.Union SQL injection:

Join SQL Injection is a type of in-band SQL injection attack that efficiently uses the UNON SQL operator to extract the information sought from the attached database. The UNION operator allows the user to remove data from multiple columns simultaneously with the same columns and the same data types.

Hackers can collect the information they need by injecting the SELECT statement, but they have to know the exact number of the table, the number of columns, and the data type for the attack to succeed.

2.SQL injection error:

Another type of in-band SQL injection attack, error SQL injection, is a technique that allows hackers to take advantage of the error messages given by the server to extract information about the structure of the attack server.

Hackers intentionally make invalid requests to trigger error messages. However, these messages often contain the full results of the offer or information about how to improve the appeal to achieve the desired results, both helping hackers to carry out their attack successfully.

3.Time Blind SQL Injection:

Time-blind SQL injection is a technique that involves sending SQL requests to a database to evaluate the result of a claim. The query in question will force the database to wait before returning the product, either TRUE or FALSE.

Depending on the wait time and the response, the hacker can assess whether its payload has been successfully sent. The biggest drawback of this SQL injection is its duration, as the hacker has to enumerate one character from the database at a time.

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4.Boolean blind SQL injection:

A Boolean blind SQL injection is an inferior injection technique, similar to timed blind SQL injection. In particular, hackers will send a SQL request every time they try to enumerate the database. Based on the response they receive, it will evaluate whether your cargo has been successfully dispatched.

However, instead of measuring your requests, they will add TRUE and FALSE. SQL injection over time, these attacks can be prolonged, especially when a hacker is attacking an extensive database.

5.Out band SQL injection:

Out-of-band SQL injection is a technique used by hackers to generate DNS and HTTP requests that directly deliver data to them.

Will do. It is sometimes used as an alternative to SQL injection attacks from time to time, usually when dealing with a slow response from the server or when data through the same channel used to launch the attack.

It is impossible to collect. Because their success depends on items that can only be activated by the server administrator, out-of-band SQL injection attacks are sporadic.

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Examples of SQL injection attacks

Over the past two decades, many SQL injection attacks have been directed at big websites, businesses, and social media platforms. Some of these attacks have resulted in significant data breaches.

In 2008, two Russian-born hackers used SQL injection technologies to attack Heartland Payment Systems, a successful payment processing solution provider.

Classified as the most significant credit card data breach, the attack gave hackers more than 150 million credit card information and cost the affected company more than $ 300 million. In 2018, the hackers were sentenced to a combined sentence of over 16 years.

In 2016, a group of hackers exploited the vulnerability in vBulletin, a popular online message board software dedicated to 11 message board games, most of which were in Russian. During the attack, hackers managed to steal the registration data of over 27 million accounts.

Also, in 2016, hackers used SQL injection methods to launch cyberattacks on Qatari National Bank. The hackers managed to steal more than 1.4 GB of data, which was published shortly after.

The data included account information from members of the country’s royal family, intelligence officials, controversial religious leaders, and several British, French, and American citizens who were listed as spies in the bank’s database.

How to prevent SQL injection attacks

Preventing SQL injection attacks is manageable with proper web page maintenance. This includes the continuous description of database-linked applications, the regular application of database updates and patches, and the purchase of reliable cybersecurity software to protect the database.

Rarely, hackers can also use SQL injection attacks to compromise trusted web pages with malicious software. As soon as you visit an infected web page, the malware will start downloading without your consent. Once installed, it will give hackers access to your search history, personal data, and even your keystrokes.

To prevent this from happening, be sure to use the best antivirus software that will protect your computer and data from viruses, malware, and all other possible threats.

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What is SQL injection? | How SQL Injection Attacks Work?

What is SQL injection?