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 (16093)
A SQL injection vulnerability in /model/update_classroom.php in Campcodes Complete Web-Based School Management System 1.0 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the name 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.
The Unlimited Elements For Elementor (Free Widgets, Addons, Templates) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the ‘data[post_ids][0]’ parameter in all versions up to, and including,. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability was found in Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 was found in Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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.
Zoho ManageEngine ADAudit Plus versions below 7271 allows SQL Injection in lockout history option. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct SQL injection attacks on an affected. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
WeBid 1.1.2 is vulnerable to SQL Injection via admin/tax.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.
The Country State City Dropdown CF7 plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the ‘cnt’ and 'sid' parameters in versions up to, and including, 2.7.2 due to insufficient escaping on the. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and EPSS exploitation probability 93.4%.
The Business Directory Plugin - Easy Listing Directories for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection via the ‘listingfields’ parameter in all versions up to, and. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and EPSS exploitation probability 94.0%.
The Media Library Assistant plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the plugin's shortcode(s) in all versions up to, and including, 3.15 due to insufficient escaping on the user. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
NASA AIT-Core v2.5.2 was discovered to contain multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities via the query_packets and insert functions. 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.
PyMySQL through 1.1.0 allows SQL injection if used with untrusted JSON input because keys are not escaped by escape_dict. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
MTab Bookmark v1.9.5 has an SQL injection vulnerability in /LinkStore/getIcon. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerability in Likeshop before 2.5.7 allows attackers to run abitrary SQL commands via the function OrderLogic::getOrderList function, exploited at the /admin/order/lists.html. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), 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 Directory 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 SourceCodester Electricity Consumption Monitoring Tool 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 SourceCodester Event Registration 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 SourceCodester Event Registration 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 SourceCodester Event Registration System 1.0 and classified as critical.php?f=load_registration. 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 SourceCodester Event Registration 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 SourceCodester Event Registration 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, has been found in SourceCodester Online Examination 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 has been found in Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School Management System 1.0.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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 SourceCodester Simple Inventory 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 SourceCodester Simple Inventory 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 SourceCodester Simple Inventory 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 has been found in SourceCodester Simple Inventory System 1.0 and classified as critical. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Best House Rental Management System 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 has been found in SourceCodester Best House Rental Management 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 SourceCodester Simple Online Mens Salon 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 was found in PHPGurukul Online Course Registration System 3.1. 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 has been found in PHPGurukul Online Course Registration System 3.1. 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 Course Registration System 3.1. 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 Course Registration System 3.1. 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 SourceCodester Gas Agency 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 classified as critical was found in code-projects Budget Management 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 SourceCodester Online Examination 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.
Zabbix server can perform command execution for configured scripts. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in SiAdmin 1.1 that allows SQL injection via the /modul/mod_kuliah/aksi_kuliah.php parameter in nim. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in SiAdmin 1.1 that allows SQL injection via the /modul/mod_pass/aksi_pass.php parameter in nama_lengkap. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerability in Simple PHP Shopping Cart affecting version 0.9. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in code-projects Simple Chat 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 Tutor LMS Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data, modification of data, loss of data due to a missing capability check on the 'get_calendar_materials' function. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Epss exploitation probability 23.3% and no vendor patch available.
The Tutor LMS Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data, modification of data, loss of data due to a missing capability check on the 'authenticate' function in all. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Epss exploitation probability 31.0% and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in code-projects Simple Chat 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 SourceCodester Interactive Map with Marker 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 Tutor LMS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection via the ‘question_id’ parameter in versions up to, and including, 2.7.0 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability has been found in SourceCodester Simple Online Bidding 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 SourceCodester Simple Online Bidding 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 SourceCodester Simple Online Bidding System 1.0.php?page=view_udet. 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 SourceCodester Simple Online Bidding 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 SourceCodester Simple Online Bidding 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 SourceCodester School Intramurals Student Attendance 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 SourceCodester School Intramurals Student Attendance 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 was found in Campcodes Online Examination 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 Campcodes Online Examination 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 Campcodes Online Examination 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 has been found in Campcodes Online Examination 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 Campcodes Online Examination 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 Campcodes Online Examination System 1.0.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 Campcodes Online Examination 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 Campcodes Online Examination 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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.
An attacker with certain MQTT permissions can create malicious messages to all CyberPower PowerPanel devices. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Campcodes Complete Web-Based School 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 Kashipara College 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.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- web
- Total CVEs
- 16093