Understand SQL Injection through a hands-on approach¶
Ever ordered pizza online? Imagine someone using the address form to secretly tell the website's database to reveal everyone's credit card details. That's SQL Injection - a way attackers can use sneaky code to break into websites and databases. See inside to more details.
Simple explanation of SQL Injection¶
Okay, imagine you're ordering a pizza online. The website has a form where you type in your address.
Behind the scenes, the website uses a language called SQL to talk to its database, which stores all sorts of information like addresses, names, and customer orders.
Now, SQL Injection is like someone cleverly sneaking extra instructions into that address form. Instead of just giving their address, they might add a secret code that tells the database to do things it's not supposed to, like:
- View secret information: Imagine they could get a list of everyone's pizza orders, including their credit card details.
- Change data: They could alter your address on record or even change the price of their pizza.
- Delete everything: In the worst case, they could wipe out the entire pizza database!
Think of it like this: the website expects you to only give it an address, but SQL Injection is like giving it a secret command in a language it understands, allowing you to bypass the regular rules and access areas you shouldn't be in.
In short, SQL Injection is a way for attackers to exploit weaknesses in websites and databases by injecting malicious code through input forms, giving them unauthorized access and control.
It's a serious security risk, and website developers have to take steps to protect against it.
Practical demo for SQL Injection¶
I have setup a practical demo to SQL Injection on Github! It includes explanations of the concept, its risks, and methods for prevention, along with a hands-on demonstration.
You do not need any installation to run the demonstration. You can interact with it directly in your browser.