Code injection
Code injection
(also Remote code execution, remote code evaluation)
Code injection definition
Code injection is an attack that involves malicious code being injected into an application. The code is subsequently interpreted or executed by the program, which has an impact on how well it works and performs. Attacks using code injection often take advantage of already-existing server weaknesses, like improper handling of data from questionable sources.
Attacks that involve the injection of code differ from those that involve the injection of commands because the functionality of the language injected places no restrictions on the attackers.,
Code injection examples
- Client-side code injection. Hackers target programs that rely on input validation being completed locally on the user’s browser before the data is transferred to the server.
- Python code injection. Python applications are vulnerable to injection attacks because they use user-supplied expressions in their evaluations.
- HTML code injection. Attackers frequently exploit HTML code injection weaknesses to take control of a website’s functionality.
- PHP code injection. Some PHP-based web apps have a vulnerable feature that could give hackers complete or partial control of it. This way, attackers can manipulate the execution flow of code by altering the contents of an input string.
- Server-side JavaScript injection. It is commonly used in the developer’s console as a debugging technique. Still, it can also be exploited by cybercriminals to conduct coordinated attacks, steal sensitive information such as login passwords, and even make the entire system unavailable.
- SQL injection. Through this cyberattack, hackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. This includes credit card data, passwords, or personal user information.