SQL Injection
SQL injection exploits the way applications construct database queries by mixing user input directly into SQL statements.
How It Works
SQL injection exploits the way applications construct database queries by mixing user input directly into SQL statements. When developers concatenate untrusted data into queries without proper sanitization, attackers can inject SQL syntax that changes the query's logic. For example, entering ' OR '1'='1 into a login form might transform SELECT * FROM users WHERE username='input' into a query that always returns true, bypassing authentication.
Attackers follow a methodical process: first probing input fields with special characters like quotes or semicolons to trigger database errors, then identifying whether the application is vulnerable. Once confirmed, they escalate by injecting commands to extract data (UNION-based attacks to merge results from other tables), manipulate records, or probe the database structure. Blind SQL injection variants work without visible error messages—boolean-based attacks infer data by observing application behavior changes, while time-based attacks use database sleep functions to confirm successful injection through response delays.
Advanced scenarios include second-order injection, where malicious input is stored in the database and later executed in a different context, and out-of-band attacks that exfiltrate data through DNS queries or HTTP requests when direct data retrieval isn't possible. Some database systems enable attackers to execute operating system commands through built-in functions like MySQL's LOAD_FILE or SQL Server's xp_cmdshell, escalating from database compromise to full server control.
Impact
- Complete data breach — extraction of entire database contents including credentials, personal information, and proprietary data
- Authentication bypass — logging in as any user without knowing passwords
- Data manipulation — unauthorized modification or deletion of critical records
- Privilege escalation — granting administrative rights to attacker-controlled accounts
- Remote code execution — leveraging database features to run operating system commands and compromise the underlying server
- Lateral movement — using compromised database credentials to access other connected systems
Real-World Examples
FreePBX's CVE-2025-66039 demonstrated a complete attack chain where SQL injection across 11 parameters in four different endpoints allowed attackers to write malicious entries into the cron_jobs table. When the system's scheduler executed these entries, the injected SQL transformed into operating system commands, granting full server control. The vulnerability required no authentication, making it immediately exploitable.
E-commerce platforms have suffered massive breaches through shopping cart SQL injection, where attackers inserted skimming code into stored procedures that executed during checkout, harvesting credit card data from thousands of transactions. Healthcare systems have been compromised through patient portal vulnerabilities, exposing millions of medical records when attackers injected UNION queries to merge data from supposedly isolated tables.
Mitigation
- Parameterized queries (prepared statements) — separates SQL logic from data, making injection syntactically impossible
- Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) frameworks — abstracts database interactions with built-in protections when used correctly
- Strict input validation — whitelist acceptable characters and formats, reject suspicious patterns
- Least privilege database accounts — applications should use credentials with minimal necessary permissions
- Web Application Firewall (WAF) — detects and blocks common injection patterns as a secondary defense layer
- Database activity monitoring — alerts on unusual query patterns or privilege escalation attempts
Recent CVEs (4650)
A SQL injection vulnerability in ArcGIS Server allows an EDIT operation to modify column properties in a manner that could lead to SQL injection when performed by a remote authenticated user. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in enituretechnology Small Package Quotes - Worldwide Express Edition allows SQL Injection.2.18. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in NotFound Doctor Appointment Booking allows SQL Injection.0.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Cozy Vision SMS Alert Order Notifications - WooCommerce allows SQL Injection.7.8. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in NotFound Bitcoin / AltCoin Payment Gateway for WooCommerce allows Blind SQL Injection.7.6. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Stylemix uListing allows Blind SQL Injection.1.6. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in NotFound Social Links allows Blind SQL Injection.2. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerability have been found in 101news affecting version 1.0 through the "searchtitle" parameter in search.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerability have been found in 101news affecting version 1.0 through the "description" parameter in admin/add-category.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerability have been found in 101news affecting version 1.0 through the "pagetitle" and "pagedescription" parameters in admin/contactus.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerability have been found in 101news affecting version 1.0 through the "sadminusername" parameter in admin/add-subadmins.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerability have been found in 101news affecting version 1.0 through the "category" and "subcategory" parameters in admin/add-subcategory.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerability have been found in 101news affecting version 1.0 through the "pagedescription" parameter in admin/aboutus.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerability have been found in 101news affecting version 1.0 through the "username" parameter in admin/check_avalability.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in PHPGurukul News Portal 4.1.php. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Codezips Online Shopping Website 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in PHPGurukul Nipah Virus Testing Management System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Codezips Gym Management System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in PHPGurukul Online Shopping Portal 2.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Codezips Gym Management System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Codezips College Management System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in ESAFENET CDG 5.6.3.154.205_20250114. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Mini-Tmall up to 20250211.java. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in ESAFENET CDG 5.6.3.154.205. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in ESAFENET CDG 5.6.3.154.205. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in zj1983 zz up to 2024-8. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in zj1983 zz up to 2024-8. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in zj1983 zz up to 2024-8 and classified as critical. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been found in zj1983 zz up to 2024-8 and classified as critical. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in zj1983 zz up to 2024-08. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in AT Software Solutions ATSVD up to 3.4.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Pixsoft Sol up to 7.6.6c and classified as critical. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been found in Pixsoft E-Saphira 1.7.24 and classified as critical. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Hunan Zhonghe Baiyi Information Technology Baiyiyun Asset Management and Operations System up to 20250217. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Multilevel Referral Affiliate Plugin for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 'orderby' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 2.27 due to insufficient. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Loggrove v1.0 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in the read.py file. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The KiviCare - Clinic & Patient Management System (EHR) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the ‘u_id’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.6.7 due to insufficient. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
GFast between v2 to v3.2 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the OrderBy parameter at /system/operLog/list. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Yukseloglu Filter B2B Login Platform allows SQL Injection.01.2025. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A SQL Injection vulnerability has been found in Ciges 2.15.5 from ATISoluciones. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
There is a SQL injection issue in Esri ArcGIS Monitor versions 2023.0 through 2024.x on Windows and Linux that allows a remote, authenticated attacker with low privileges to improperly read limited. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A SQL Injection vulnerability was found in /admin/add-propertytype.php in PHPGurukul Land Record System Project in PHP v1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the propertytype POST. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Seacms <=13.3 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in admin_type_news.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Seacms <13.3 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in admin_pay.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Seacms <=13.3 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in admin_zyk.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Seacms <=13.3 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in admin_reslib.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Seacms <=13.3 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in admin_paylog.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Seacms <=13.3 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in admin_collect.php that allows an authenticated attacker to exploit the database. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Seacms <=13.3 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in admin_collect_news.php. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A SQL injection vulnerability in the JoomShopping component versions 1.0.0-1.4.3 for Joomla allows authenticated attackers (administrator) to execute arbitrary SQL commands in the country management. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
RAGFlow is an open-source RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) engine. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in WPExperts.io WP Multi Store Locator allows Blind SQL Injection.5.1. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in ays-pro Poll Maker allows Blind SQL Injection.6.5. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in jgwhite33 WP Yelp Review Slider allows Blind SQL Injection.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Jürgen Müller Easy Quotes allows Blind SQL Injection.2.2. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in PickPlugins Wishlist allows SQL Injection.0.41. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Dell Secure Connect Gateway (SCG) Application and Appliance, versions prior to 5.28, contains a SQL injection vulnerability due to improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Yawave plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 'lbid' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 2.9.1 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A SQL injection vulnerability in the Hikashop component versions 3.3.0-5.1.4 for Joomla allows authenticated attackers (administrator) to execute arbitrary SQL commands in the category management. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Benner ModernaNet up to 1.1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Benner ModernaNet up to 1.1.0 and classified as critical. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
SQL Injection vulnerability in SeaCMS v.13.2 and before allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the DoTranExecSql parameter in the phome.php component. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
NovaCHRON Zeitsysteme GmbH & Co. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
NovaCHRON Zeitsysteme GmbH & Co. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Seacms <=13.3 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in admin_members.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An SQL injection risk was identified in the module list filter within course search. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
WeGIA is a Web manager for charitable institutions. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
XOne Web Monitor v02.10.2024.530 framework 1.0.4.9 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability in the login page. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection in SLIMS v.9.6.1 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via the month parameter in the visitor_report_day.php component. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Jenst WP Sitemap allows SQL Injection.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in guelben Bravo Search & Replace allows Blind SQL Injection.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Agito Computer Health4All allows SQL Injection.01.2025. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Agito Computer Life4All allows SQL Injection.01.2025. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Mattermost versions 10.4.x <= 10.4.1, 9.11.x <= 9.11.7, 10.3.x <= 10.3.2, 10.2.x <= 10.2.2 fail to use prepared statements in the SQL query of boards reordering which allows an attacker to retrieve. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Best Church Management Software 1.0 and classified as critical.php. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in PHPGurukul Online Nurse Hiring System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in PHPGurukul Online Nurse Hiring System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in PHPGurukul Online Nurse Hiring System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in PHPGurukul Nipah Virus Testing Management System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in PHPGurukul/Campcodes Online Shopping Portal 2.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in code-projects Real Estate Property Management System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The LTL Freight Quotes - Purolator Edition plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 'dropship_edit_id' and 'edit_id' parameters in all versions up to, and including, 2.2.3 due to. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in ITSourcecode Simple ChatBox up to 1.0. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in ITSourcecode Simple ChatBox up to 1.0. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in ITSourcecode Simple ChatBox up to 1.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in ITSourcecode Simple ChatBox up to 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
GFast between v2 to v3.2 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the SortName parameter at /system/loginLog/list. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.2), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in dingfanzu CMS up to 20250210. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Harpia DiagSystem 12. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Exim mail server version 4.98 before 4.98.1 contains a remote SQL injection vulnerability when SQLite hints and ETRN serialization features are enabled. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject SQL through crafted SMTP commands, potentially compromising the mail server's configuration and queued messages.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- web
- Total CVEs
- 4650