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 (15205)
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in lodgix Lodgix.com Vacation Rental Website Builder. 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 Quý Lê 91 Administrator Z administrator-z allows Blind SQL Injection.10.21. 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 edckwt Quran Shortcode quran-shortcode allows Blind SQL Injection.5. 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 reza19 Download-Mirror-Counter wp-download-mirror-counter allows SQL Injection.1. 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 porsline Porsline porsline allows Blind SQL Injection.0.2. 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 market360 Market 360 Viewer market-360-viewer allows Blind SQL Injection.01. 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 percent20 Golf Tracker golf-tracker allows SQL Injection.7. 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 oleksandr87 Simple Job Manager simple-job-manager allows SQL Injection.1. 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 Maksym Marko Website price calculator price-calculator-to-your-website allows SQL Injection.1. 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 Saleswonder Team: Tobias 5 Stars Rating Funnel 5-stars-rating-funnel.4.01. 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 odihost Easy Gallery simple-gallery-odihost allows SQL Injection.4. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Poll Maker - Versus Polls, Anonymous Polls, Image Polls plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection via the ‘orderby’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 5.4.6 due. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerability exists in OS4ED openSIS-Classic Version 9.1, specifically in the resetuserinfo.php file. 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.
A SQL injection vulnerability in manage_client.php and view_cab.php of Sourcecodester Cab Management System 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter, leading. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in 1000 Projects Bookstore Management System 1.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), 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 1000 Projects Bookstore Management System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in 1000 Projects Bookstore Management System 1.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), 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 Hospital Appointment System 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.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Codezips Hospital Appointment System 1.0.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 SourceCodester Online Veterinary Appointment 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 classified as critical has been found in code-projects E-Health Care 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 was found in code-projects E-Health Care 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 code-projects E-Health Care 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.
SourceCodester Survey Application System 1.0 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in takeSurvey.php via the id parameter. 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.
A vulnerability was found in 1000 Projects Bookstore 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 1000 Projects Bookstore 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.
devtron is an open source tool integration platform for Kubernetes. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in code-projects E-Health Care 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 SQL injection risk flaw was found in the XMLDB editor tool available to site administrators. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Guangzhou Tuchuang Computer Software Development Interlib Library Cluster Automation Management System up to 2.0.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), 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 Guangzhou Tuchuang Computer Software Development Interlib Library Cluster Automation Management System up to 2.0.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Portabilis i-Educar 2.8.0 is vulnerable to SQL Injection in the "getDocuments" function of the "InstituicaoDocumentacaoController" class. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in a REST API endpoint and web-based management interface of Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with read-only privileges to. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SuiteCRM is an open-source, enterprise-ready Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software application. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SuiteCRM is an open-source, enterprise-ready Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software application. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SuiteCRM is an open-source, enterprise-ready Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software application. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been found in 1000 Projects Bookstore Management System 1.0 and classified as critical. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), 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 1000 Projects Bookstore Management System 1.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), 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 romadebrian WEB-Sekolah 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 Photos, Files, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Ecommerce Contest Gallery - Upload, Vote, Sell via PayPal, Social Share Buttons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Zohocorp ManageEngine Exchange Reporter Plus versions 5718 and prior are vulnerable to authenticated SQL Injection in reports module. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in code-projects E-Health Care 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 was found in code-projects E-Health Care System 1.0 and classified as critical.php. 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 code-projects E-Health Care System 1.0 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 was found in code-projects University Event 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 Hospital Appointment System 1.0.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.
SQL Injection in loginform.php in ProjectWorld's Travel Management System v1.0 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via SQL Injection in the 'username' and 'password' fields. 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.
SQL Injection vulnerability in projectworlds Travel management System v.1.0 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the 't2' parameter in deletesubcategory.php. 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.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in chenyenming Woocommerce Quote Calculator woo-quote-calculator-order allows Blind SQL Injection.1. 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 WPDeveloper BetterLinks betterlinks allows SQL Injection.1.7. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Zohocorp ManageEngine ADAudit Plus versions below 8121 are vulnerable to SQL Injection in Technician reports option. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Zohocorp ManageEngine ADManager Plus versions 7241 and prior are vulnerable to SQL Injection in Archived Audit Report. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in code-projects University Event Management System 1.0 and classified as critical.php. 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 itsourcecode Farm Management System 1.0 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, which was classified as critical, was found in code-projects/anirbandutta9 Content Management System and News-Buzz 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 Pet Shop 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 ISP Management System 1.0 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 was found in code-projects Wazifa System 1.0 and classified as critical.php. 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 code-projects E-Health Care System 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.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in code-projects E-Health Care System up to 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 code-projects E-Health Care 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 classified as critical was found in itsourcecode Farm 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 classified as critical has been found in Codezips Free Exam Hall Seating 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 Free Exam Hall Seating 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 Project Worlds Life Insurance 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 was found in Project Worlds Life Insurance 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 was found in code-projects Restaurant Order System 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.
A vulnerability has been found in Tongda OA 2017 up to 11.10 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, which was classified as critical, was found in Tongda OA up to 11.10. 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 Tongda OA up to 11.6.php. 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 code-projects Simple Car Rental 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 code-projects University Event 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 was found in code-projects Wazifa 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.
The Appointment Booking Calendar Plugin and Scheduling Plugin - BookingPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 'service' parameter of the bookingpress_form shortcode in all. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in ESAFENET CDG 5. 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 ESAFENET CDG 5. 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 Tongda OA up to 11.10. 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 Tongda OA up to 11.10. 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 Tongda OA 2017 up to 11.9. 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 Tongda OA 2017 up to 11.9. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A SQL injection vulnerability exists in the `/api/v1/external-users` route of lunary-ai/lunary version v1.4.2. 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.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in Tongda OA 2017 up to 11.10. 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 Tongda OA 2017 up to 11.10.php. 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 Tongda OA up to 11.10. 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 Tongda OA up to 11.9. 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 Tongda OA 2017 up to 11.10. 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 ESAFENET CDG 5. 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 ESAFENET CDG 5. 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 ESAFENET CDG 5 and classified as critical.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 has been found in ESAFENET CDG 5 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.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- web
- Total CVEs
- 15205