Features
SQL injection is a web-security vulnerability where unsanitized user input is executed as part of an SQL statement, letting attackers read, modify, or destroy data.
SQL injection (SQLi) is a code-injection vulnerability where unsanitized user input is concatenated into an SQL command. Attackers can modify the query’s logic, exfiltrate data, or take control of the database. Any application that builds SQL strings from external input without proper safeguards is at risk.
A SQL injection occurs when untrusted data is inserted into the WHERE, ORDER BY, or other clauses of an SQL statement at runtime. Because SQL is executed as plain text, special characters like ' or ; end the original query and let attackers append arbitrary commands, bypassing authentication or dumping entire tables.
Most exploits start with a text field—login form, search box, API parameter—whose value is concatenated into an SQL string. By sending crafted input such as ' OR 1=1 -- attackers close the original predicate, add a tautology, and comment out the rest, forcing the database to return all rows or execute destructive statements.
SQLi frequently leads to full data breaches. Attackers can read sensitive columns, modify balances, drop tables, or pivot to the underlying operating system through stored procedures. Reported incidents like the 2014 Sony Pictures breach show that a single overlooked input field can cost millions in fines, downtime, and reputation.
Detection combines static analysis, runtime monitoring, and penetration testing. Automated scanners search code for string concatenation patterns, while Web Application Firewalls flag anomalous SQL tokens in requests. Security testers run payloads like ' UNION SELECT current_user to confirm vulnerabilities. Observing unexpected error messages, time delays, or large result sets also signals SQLi.
Parameterization is the primary defense. Prepared statements send the SQL template and data separately, letting the driver escape values safely. Complementary controls include strict least-privilege database accounts, input length validation, allow-lists, and centralized query libraries. Continuous code reviews and dependency updates ensure new endpoints inherit secure patterns automatically.
Prepared statements stop classic SQLi but not logic flaws like improper authorization checks. Applications must still validate user identity and row-level permissions. For dynamic ORDER BY clauses, create white-listed keyword maps instead of inserting raw input. Combine parameterization with defense-in-depth monitoring to reduce residual risk.
Most modern ORMs generate parameterized SQL by default, greatly reducing risk. However, raw query helpers or string interpolation features can reintroduce vulnerabilities. Developers should treat ORM escape functions as last-resort tools and keep business logic in ORM abstractions. Unit tests and linters can spot dangerous raw SQL hot-spots.
In 2022, the Indian rail ticketing site IRCTC leaked customer data after a search parameter allowed UNION SELECT payloads. The classic 'DROP TABLE users;' example rarely occurs in production; attackers usually exfiltrate data quietly using LIMIT, OFFSET, or INTO OUTFILE techniques to avoid detection and maximize profit.-- Vulnerable
query = "SELECT * FROM users WHERE email = '" + userInput + "'"
-- Secure
stmt = conn.prepare("SELECT * FROM users WHERE email = ?")
stmt.bind(userInput)
Galaxy’s SQL editor enforces parameterized query snippets and highlights risky concatenations in real time. Its AI copilot recommends prepared-statement syntax and flags inputs lacking validation. Shared Collections let teams endorse secure queries, reducing copy-paste errors. Access controls ensure only approved users edit production queries, further lowering SQLi exposure.
SQL injection remains one of the OWASP Top 10 risks because it targets the data layer, the crown jewels of most applications. Even a simple text field can expose entire databases if developers concatenate input directly into SQL. Understanding SQLi teaches teams to separate code from data, implement least privilege, and adopt secure coding standards that harden every new endpoint.
It’s when an attacker tricks an application into running unauthorized SQL by inserting malicious text into an input field.
They send SQL and data separately, so the database driver treats user input as literals, not executable code.
Stored procedures help when they use parameters, but EXECUTE-immediate or string-built procedures remain vulnerable.
Galaxy highlights unsafe concatenations, suggests prepared-statement syntax, and lets teams endorse secure query templates.
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