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Structured Query Language (SQL) Injection

5 minutes 5 Questions

Structured Query Language (SQL) Injection is a web security vulnerability that allows attackers to interfere with the SQL queries performed by a web application. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to view, modify, or delete data stored in a database, depending on their level of access. In some cases, they may even gain administrative access to the system. Preventing SQL Injection attacks requires the use of parameterized queries, input validation, and least privilege access control, among other secure coding practices.

Guide to Understanding and Answering Questions on SQL Injection

What SQL Injection is and Why it is Important:
SQL Injection is a web security threat that allows attackers to interfere with the queries that an application makes to its database. It occurs when an attacker is able to insert a series of SQL statements into a 'query' by manipulating form inputs. The importance of understanding SQL Injection lies in the fact that it can lead to serious data breaches, allowing unauthorized viewing, deletion or tampering with data, loss of data integrity and in some cases, denial of service.

How SQL Injection Works:
An SQL Injection attack is executed by exploiting vulnerabilities in a website's code, particularly when user inputs are incorrectly checked. During the attack, the hacker manipulates the SQL statements that are sent to the database through user input fields, tricking the application to perform unintended SQL commands.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on SQL Injection:
1. Understand SQL syntax: In order to correctly answer questions pertaining to SQL Injection, a thorough understanding of SQL syntax is crucial.
2. Identify types of SQL Injection: Knowing the difference between Blind SQL Injection, Time-based Blind SQL Injection, and Union-based SQL Injection can help answer questions more systematically.
3. Explore real-world scenarios: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations can help in better understanding and answering questions related to SQL Injection.
4. Learn about Countermeasures: Knowing how to prevent SQL Injection attacks and various security practices such as using parameterized queries or storing procedures, effective data validation, etc., is crucial.

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CompTIA Security+ - Web Security Example Questions

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Question 1

A database admin discovers that unauthorized data access is happening through a web application that allows users to retrieve records via search. What type of SQL injection attack is this?

Correct Answer: In-band SQL injection

In-band SQL injection occurs when the hacker exploits SQL vulnerabilities to extract and manipulate data from the same communication channel. It's the most common type of SQL injection. Out-of-band and Inferential SQL injections use different communication channels and don't retrieve data via search directly.

Question 2

While reviewing web application logs, a security analyst notices several requests containing unusual SQL commands. Which countermeasure should be implemented to mitigate this threat?

Correct Answer: Input validation

Input validation is the process of verifying that the user input is both correct and secure. By implementing input validation, the application can prevent potentially malicious SQL commands from running, reducing the risk of SQL injection. The other options don't directly address the problem of possibly harmful inputs.

Question 3

A web application stores user inputs into a database but does not sanitize them first. Which SQL injection technique is most likely to succeed in this scenario?

Correct Answer: Tautology-based

Tautology-based SQL injection attacks involve injecting code that always evaluates to true, exploiting the lack of input sanitization. As the application stores unsanitized inputs, this form of SQL injection is most likely to succeed. The other techniques require specific conditions or exploit different vulnerabilities.

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