One of the most concerning web security vulnerabilities these days is SQL injection, which lets attackers interfere with an application’s queries to a database, with the goal of viewing data that they are typically unable to access or retrieve. Attacks could gain access to data belonging to users and other data that is being accessed by the application. Poor SQL (database) security can make it easier for hackers to delete or modify the data on your database, resulting in persistent alterations to the application’s behavior or content. In some cases, hackers are also able to compromise the backend infrastructure and the underlying server or carry out denial-of-service attacks.
This is why it’s extremely important to invest in SQL (database) security. Knowing the best practices and tips to secure your database is a good way to prevent problems down the line. Here are some best practices and tips to keep in mind:
Apply query parameterization and prepared statements
Most languages have a built-in feature that lets you prevent attacks. You can use a prepared statement to compile an SQL query. A prepared statement lets you conduct query parameterization, a method that dynamically creates SQL statements. The base query can be created with placeholders and you can attach user-given parameters safely to those placeholders. This way, the database can independently prevent an SQL injection.
Avoid relying on client-side input validation
Client-side input validation makes sense only when you know that users are truly trustworthy and will use the system as intended. Consider validating on the server-side, preferably as close to the source as you can, like where you make the SQL query. That way, everything the client sends is treated as potentially harmful, and you can increase SQL security.
Apply restricted privileges
Create a database user for the application. Consider making multiple database users and link them to the specific application roles. Security issues are typically a chain effect, so be vigilant with every connection in the chain.
Use a database activity monitoring platform
Ensuring SQL security is easier with a versatile web-based database activity monitoring solution with full auditing capabilities. Make sure it provides complete visibility over who has accessed the data, for what reason, and when, and that it logs all details (IP addresses, usernames, SQL queries made, wrong login attempts, etc.). This solution should also help you with regulation compliance.
Source:
https://portswigger.net/web-security/sql-injection
https://snyk.io/blog/sql-injection-cheat-sheet/
https://www.datasparc.com/database-security-audit/
