GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies Practice Test

What does SQL injection attack exploit to send unauthorized commands?

1. The web application's interface directly to the user

2. The backend database server

3. The session management system

4. The client-side code execution environment

The correct answer is: The backend database server

SQL injection attacks specifically target the backend database server. This type of attack occurs when an attacker is able to manipulate a web application's input fields, such as forms or URL parameters, to inject malicious SQL statements. These statements are then executed by the database server, allowing the attacker to gain unauthorized access to data or to execute commands that could alter or delete data. The effectiveness of SQL injection stems from the way many web applications interact with their databases. If an application does not properly validate or sanitize user input, it may inadvertently allow the attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands that can compromise the database. This includes actions such as retrieving sensitive information, manipulating data, or even escalating privileges. While the other options—such as user interfaces, session management systems, and client-side code—are certainly critical components of a web application’s architecture, they do not serve as the primary targets for SQL injection attacks. These areas may be more relevant to other types of attacks, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) or session hijacking, but SQL injection distinctly focuses on exploiting the interactions between the application and its backend database server.