Description: Injection attacks are a type of security vulnerability in web applications where an attacker sends untrusted data to an interpreter, causing unintended commands to be executed. This type of attack relies on manipulating input data, which can be used to alter the behavior of an application. The most common injection attacks include SQL injection, where malicious SQL commands are inserted into a query, and command injection, which allows an attacker to execute operating system commands. The nature of these attacks lies in the lack of proper validation and sanitization of input data, allowing attackers to exploit weaknesses in application logic. The relevance of injection attacks is critical, as they can compromise the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data, as well as allow unauthorized access to systems and resources. Preventing these attacks involves implementing secure coding practices, such as input validation, using parameterized queries, and applying security principles in software development.
History: Injection attacks, especially SQL injection, began to be recognized in the 1990s as web applications proliferated. One of the first documented examples of SQL injection dates back to 1998 when it was identified that applications that did not properly validate user inputs were vulnerable to this type of attack. As web technology evolved, so did injection techniques, becoming one of the most common vulnerabilities in web applications. In 2003, the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) included SQL injection in its list of the top ten security vulnerabilities, helping to raise awareness of this issue.
Uses: Injection attacks are primarily used by attackers to gain unauthorized access to databases, systems, and applications. Through SQL injection, attackers can manipulate queries to extract sensitive information, such as passwords and personal data. Command injection can be used to execute operating system commands, potentially leading to full control of the server. Additionally, these attacks can be used to perform denial-of-service (DoS) attacks by overwhelming a system with malicious requests.
Examples: A famous case of SQL injection occurred in 2008 when an attacker exploited a vulnerability in a payment processing database, stealing over 130 million credit card numbers. Another example is the attack on a popular content management platform in 2015, where SQL injection was used to access user data and passwords. In the realm of command injection, a notable attack was on a major telecommunications company in 2015, where malicious commands were executed, leading to the exposure of data from millions of customers.
