What Is SQL Injection?
SQL Injection — a web attack that inserts malicious SQL database commands through application inputs — tricking the app into running attacker-controlled queries against its database.
How it works
When a web app builds database queries by directly inserting user input, an attacker can enter crafted input that changes the query's meaning — dumping all user records, bypassing login, or deleting data. The fix is parameterised queries (prepared statements) that treat input strictly as data, never as executable SQL.
Why it matters
SQL injection remains one of the most common and damaging web vulnerabilities (a perennial OWASP Top 10 entry). Recognising it in logs and understanding the defence (parameterised queries — exactly what this site's own PHP backend uses) is important security knowledge, especially for anyone touching web-facing systems.
Frequently asked questions
What is SQL injection?
A web attack that inserts malicious SQL commands through application inputs, tricking the app into running attacker-controlled database queries.
What can SQL injection do?
Dump entire databases, bypass authentication, modify or delete data — potentially exposing every record an application stores.
How is SQL injection prevented?
Parameterised queries (prepared statements) that treat user input strictly as data, plus input validation — never building queries by concatenating raw input.
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