What is an SQL injection attack?

An SQL injection attack is a code injection technique that exploits vulnerabilities in an application's software by manipulating SQL queries. This occurs when user inputs are improperly sanitized before being included in SQL statements. By entering malicious SQL code into input fields, an attacker can gain unauthorized access to a database, manipulate data, or even execute administrative operations on the database.

The nature of this technique lies in its reliance on the interaction between user input and the database query being executed. If the application does not adequately validate or sanitize user inputs, the attacker can embed SQL commands that the database will execute. This can lead to severe security breaches, such as data leaks, data loss, or unauthorized actions performed on the database.

Understanding that SQL injection is essentially leveraging coding weaknesses helps to illustrate the critical need for secure coding practices, input validation, and proper database access controls. This knowledge enables individuals and organizations to better safeguard their applications against such vulnerabilities.