11 Feb What is SQL injection (SQLi), and how does it pose a threat to web applications?

SQL injection (SQLi) is a type of cyber attack that targets the databases of web applications. It occurs when an attacker injects malicious SQL code into input fields or parameters that are sent to the backend database server for processing. If the web application fails to properly sanitize or validate user inputs, the injected SQL code can be executed by the database server, leading to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or data exfiltration.

Here’s how SQL injection attacks typically work:

Injection Point: Attackers identify input fields, such as login forms, search boxes, or URL parameters, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper validation or sanitization.
Payload Injection: Attackers craft malicious SQL payloads and inject them into the vulnerable input fields. These payloads may include SQL commands designed to manipulate the database, extract sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions.
SQL Query Execution: When the web application sends the user-supplied data to the backend database server, the malicious SQL payload is concatenated with the original SQL query and executed by the database server, without proper validation.
Exploitation: If the injection is successful, the attacker can exploit the vulnerability to achieve various objectives, such as bypassing authentication, retrieving sensitive data (e.g., usernames, passwords, credit card numbers), modifying or deleting database records, or even taking control of the entire database server.
SQL injection attacks can have severe consequences, including data breaches, financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liabilities for affected organizations. They are particularly dangerous because they can be automated, easily exploited, and difficult to detect, especially if proper security measures are not in place.

To prevent SQL injection attacks, developers should adopt secure coding practices such as using parameterized queries, prepared statements, or ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) frameworks that automatically handle input sanitization and parameter binding. Additionally, input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling can help mitigate the risk of SQL injection vulnerabilities. Regular security testing, including code reviews, static analysis, and dynamic scanning, is also essential to identify and remediate SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications.

Weekly Assignment:

What is SQL injection (SQLi), and how does it pose a threat to web applications? Describe the process by which attackers exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities to compromise databases and steal sensitive information.
Explain the difference between a blind SQL injection and a classic SQL injection attack. How do attackers leverage blind SQL injection vulnerabilities to extract information from a database?
What are some common techniques and payloads used by attackers in SQL injection attacks? Provide examples of SQL injection payloads and their potential impact on the targeted database.
Describe the potential consequences of a successful SQL injection attack on a web application or database. How can SQL injection attacks lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, or data manipulation?
What are some best practices and preventive measures developers can implement to mitigate the risk of SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications? Discuss techniques such as parameterized queries, input validation, and output encoding, as well as the importance of regular security testing and code reviews.
Assignment Requirments:

Please have APA standard format for paper
Please use at least 5 references and 3 references must be from the ANU library
Citations must be included
Write at least 3 pages on the questions that have been asked.