Injection attacks refer to a class of attack vectors where attackers can exploit application vulnerabilities to send malicious code into a system. This may allow them to execute unauthorized commands, access data, or manipulate the system’s operations. These attacks are prevalent across various platforms, particularly web applications.
An injection attack can occur in one of several ways. In SQL (Structured Query Language) injection attack, an attacker inserts malicious SQL statements into input fields. This may allow the attacker to extract sensitive data from a database (breach of confidentiality), modify data (breach of integrity), or delete data (breach of availability). Code injection occurs when malicious code is inserted into an application, which is then executed by the server. OS (operating system) command injection occurs when attackers execute malicious shell commands on a server. Attackers usually manipulate input forms that are processed by application servers and execute arbitrary commands. This allows them to gain control of the operating system. In Cross-site Scripting (XSS), an attacker injects an arbitrary script (usually in JavaScript) into a legitimate website or web application. This script is then executed inside the victim’s browser. In XML injection attack, attackers compromise XML applications by manipulating the processing of XML data or documents.
While SQL injection attacks caused 23% of security breaches in 2023, approximately 19% of the internet faces XSS attacks.
Impact
Victim organizations may incur significant financial losses as attackers can steal critical data like payment credentials.
Sensitive data like personally identifiable information and proprietary business data may be breached, causing loss of confidentiality.
Data may be altered in an unauthorized manner, leading to loss of data integrity.
Data may be deleted completely, causing loss of availability.
Organizations may suffer from downtime and loss of productivity. If attackers are successful, they can install malware, or gain control of the entire system, which may cause system outages and other business disruptions.
Injection attacks may damage an organization’s brand image as attackers can steal and manipulate customer data. This may lead to loss of customer base.
Breach of sensitive data or personally identifiable information may cause organizations to face litigations.
Controls
Organizations should implement a comprehensive security policy, including data and system backup policy.
Organizations should adopt secure coding practices. For example, parameterized queries and prepared statements should be used when interacting with databases.
Strict validation rules should be implemented for user inputs. Only expected and safe inputs should be processed. Inputs should be sanitized by removing potentially malicious code before processing.
The latest security patches should be installed in all computing systems.
Periodic security assessments and audits should be conducted to detect and remove vulnerabilities in systems.
Users should be provided with continuous training on how to prevent, identify, and report injection attacks.
How Sujosu Can Help
Sujosu Technology can help you identify areas of concern and assess your application and infrastructure security risk. Our consultants can suggest appropriate countermeasures and provide awareness / training to prevent, detect, identify, and recover from security attacks. Engage with us and remain cyber-secure.
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