SQL injection tool definition
SQL injection tool is software designed to exploit vulnerabilities in web applications that use SQL databases. SQLMap, Havij, and SQLNinja are among the most popular SQL injection tools. They can be used for legitimate security testing purposes, but hackers also often employ them to attack vulnerable web applications. The SQL injection tool automatically finds vulnerabilities, making it easier for attackers to compromise the application’s security. Once inside, they can view, modify, or delete sensitive information.
How SQL injection tools work
- 1.Identifying a vulnerable web application. The attacker first needs to identify a web application that uses an SQL database and has vulnerabilities that can be exploited. This may involve using a web vulnerability scanner to identify potential targets.
- 2.Analyzing the target application. Once the attacker has identified a vulnerable web application, they can use an SQL injection tool to analyze the application and its database. It sends out various SQL queries to the application and analyzes the responses to find vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
- 3.Crafting a malicious SQL query. Based on the analysis of the target application, the attacker will craft a malicious SQL query designed to exploit a specific vulnerability. The query may extract sensitive information from the database, modify the data, or even give the attacker administrative access to the application.
- 4.Injecting the SQL query. The attacker then injects the malicious SQL query into the target application by entering the query into an input field on the application's web page or sending it directly to its server.
- 5.Executing the query. Once the malicious SQL query is injected, the attacker can execute it and continue with their attack and steal, delete, or change the contents of the database.