Exploiting SQL Injection Vulnerabilities

When to Use

• Testing web application input parameters for SQL injection vulnerabilities during an authorized penetration test
• Validating that parameterized queries and input sanitization are properly implemented across all database interactions
• Demonstrating the business impact of a confirmed SQL injection vulnerability by extracting sensitive data
• Verifying that WAF rules and input validation controls effectively block SQL injection payloads
• Testing stored procedures, dynamic SQL, and ORM bypass scenarios in enterprise applications

Do not use against databases without written authorization, for extracting or exfiltrating actual customer data beyond what is needed for proof of concept, or against production databases where exploitation could corrupt data integrity.

Prerequisites

• Written authorization specifying the target application and permissible level of exploitation (detection only vs. full exploitation)
• Burp Suite Professional configured as an intercepting proxy to capture and modify HTTP requests
• sqlmap installed with current version for automated detection and exploitation
• Knowledge of the target database engine (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MSSQL, Oracle) or ability to fingerprint it
• Test accounts at various privilege levels to test injection in authenticated contexts