URL Injection

Glossary

What is a URL Injection?

A cyberattack known as “URL injection” occurs when a hacker uses a web application’s input data handling flaws to insert harmful data into a URL.

As a result, the attacker may be able to alter web server answers, get access to unauthorised information, or carry out random commands. Script code, SQL commands, and other potentially dangerous inputs that the program can unintentionally run are examples of injected data.

Tricking the server into performing unwanted instructions or disclosing private information is the main goal of URL injection. Script injection, which can result in cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, and SQL injection, which manipulates the backend database by embedding database commands in the URL, are common instances. Using prepared statements for database queries, sanitising and validating user inputs, and implementing security mechanisms such as Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) are all effective ways to prevent URL injection.

Types of URL Injection Attacks

  1. SQL Injection: The URL contains malicious SQL queries that aim to access the database of the application. Data loss, theft, or illegal administrative access are possible outcomes of this.
  2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): When malicious scripts are injected into URLs, the browser can run the script, resulting in data theft, website defacement, or session hijacking.
  3. Command Injection: Attackers inject commands into URLs to launch arbitrary commands on the server, possibly leading to full system compromise.

Common Vulnerabilities Related to URL Injection

  1. Insufficient Input Validation: Web applications run the risk of unintentionally processing hazardous material when they fail to verify and cleanse (sanitise) user inputs thoroughly. An attacker could enter malicious code, for instance, if a user input field accepts any text without removing or escaping potentially harmful characters (such as quotes, semicolons, or script tags). This incident may result in several kinds of injection attacks. For example, an attacker might insert JavaScript that is executed by other users’ browsers (cross-site scripting, or XSS) or SQL instructions that the program executes, possibly compromising the database (SQL injection).
  2. Improper Error Handling: Programs that display thorough error messages may accidentally disclose valuable insight into the architecture and weaknesses of the application to attackers. These alerts may provide information regarding file directories, the database schema, or the particulars of input handling issues. Attackers can more skillfully customise their injection attacks with this knowledge. An attacker can more successfully exploit the exposed query structure, for example, if an error message discloses the precise SQL query that failed.
  3. Flawed Query Structures: When constructing SQL queries, if developers concatenate strings to build the query directly from user inputs, it creates a significant security risk. For example, using a query like “SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = ‘” + username + “‘ AND password = ‘” + password + “‘” allows attackers to inject SQL code by manipulating the username or password parameters. This practice makes it easy for attackers to perform SQL injection by adding SQL code that the server executes. The proper way to prevent this is by using parameterised queries or prepared statements, which keep user input and SQL code separate, ensuring that the input is treated strictly as data and not executable code.

Safeguard Against Threats of URL Injection

  1. Always validate and sanitise user inputs to ensure only expected data is accepted and harmful characters are removed.
  2. Implement prepared statements and parameterised queries to separate user inputs from SQL commands, preventing the execution of injected malicious code.
  3. Properly escape special characters in user inputs to neutralise any harmful effects.
  4. Use web application firewalls to filter and block malicious HTTP requests before they reach your application.
  5. Show generic error messages to users while logging detailed error information server-side to prevent attackers from gaining insights into your system.

How can iZOOlogic help my Company or Organisation?

Find out how iZOOlogic can protect you against the threats of URL Injection attacks with DNS Intelligence solutions.

To find out more about how iZOOlogic can help protect your company’s cyber security, schedule a demo.