Fixing SQL Injection (SQLi)
Vulnerability assessment details, CWE reference metrics, and complete code-level patches.
Threat Profile
Vulnerability Analysis
SQL Injection (SQLi) occurs when user-supplied input is directly concatenated or interpolated into a database query without proper validation or parameterization. This allows attackers to alter query structures and execute arbitrary SQL operations.
How it is Detected
Identified by analyzing URL parameters, input form fields, and HTTP headers against SQL syntax payloads, observing database error responses or latency behaviors.
Remediation Guidelines
Always use prepared statements and parameterized queries (using libraries like PDO or ORMs). Sanitize and validate inputs, and run database processes using low-privilege service accounts.
Remediation Script (PHP / PDO)
// SECURE REMEDIATION: Using prepared statements
$stmt = $pdo->prepare('SELECT id, name FROM users WHERE email = :email');
$stmt->execute(['email' => $userInputEmail]);
$user = $stmt->fetch();Frequently Asked Questions
What is SQL Injection?
SQL Injection is a critical database vulnerability where an attacker inputs malicious SQL queries into input forms to compromise the database backend.
Does SQLi affect NoSQL databases?
Yes, in the form of NoSQL Injection, which targets syntax structures in database engines like MongoDB or Redis.
How do prepared statements prevent SQLi?
Prepared statements separate SQL commands from user input variables, ensuring the database parses inputs strictly as data values, not executable syntax.
Related Vulnerability Profiles
Stored Cross-Site Scripting (Stored XSS)
Malicious scripts are stored on the server (e.g. database) and executed when users request the compromised resource.
Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (Reflected XSS)
Malicious scripts are reflected off the web server (e.g. search queries) and executed immediately in the user's browser.
DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting (DOM XSS)
Vulnerability where the client-side JavaScript processes inputs in an unsafe way (e.g. using eval or innerHTML).
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Attackers force authenticated users to execute unauthorized actions on a web application where they are logged in.