What is SQL Injection?

SQL Injection is a web security vulnerability that happens when user-supplied data becomes part of a SQL query without safe separation. Login forms, search boxes, filter parameters, and API fields can all become paths for unexpected database commands.

The impact can include exposed customer records, unauthorized login, modified orders, or deleted tables. The risk is not only technical; it can create regulatory exposure, incident response cost, and reputational damage.

How It Happens

Dynamic SQL is built by concatenating strings.
Parameterized queries or prepared statements are not used.
Raw SQL inside an ORM is left unchecked.
The database user has broader permissions than the application needs.
Error messages reveal table names, column names, or query details.

Prevention

The main defense is to keep user input separate from SQL code. Parameterized queries, prepared statements, safe ORM patterns, and least-privilege database accounts should be used together. Input validation helps, but it is not enough by itself; a WAF cannot compensate for unsafe query construction.

Regular security testing, code review, and log monitoring help detect attack attempts early. OWASP has treated SQL injection as a critical web risk for years. Client-side vulnerabilities such as XSS require a different set of controls and should be assessed separately.

At Barlas Dijital, this risk is usually checked during security audits and API code reviews.