04/08/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/08/2024 13:01
The digital landscape is continuously evolving, and with it, the strategies for safeguarding our applications against vulnerabilities. In a recent advisory, CISA & the FBI have highlighted the critical importance of conducting thorough reviews of code and supply chains. The aim is to unearth any susceptibilities to SQL Injection (SQLi) vulnerabilities and implement robust mitigations to eliminate this class of defects across all software products-current or future. This directive, while ambitious, is a testament to the urgency and necessity of addressing SQLi vulnerabilities in today's digital environment, especially in light of the highlighted exploits by the CLOP Ransomware Gang and the substantial financial implications (estimations ranging from $75M-$100M) they have had on companies worldwide.
SQL Injections: A Catch-22 for Web Applications
Imagine a scenario where your web application's dialogue with its database can be subtly manipulated. This is the essence of an SQL Injection (SQLi) vulnerability. Through this method, attackers can insert malicious SQL code into seemingly harmless user inputs, such as login forms or search queries. The repercussions of such actions can range from unauthorized access to sensitive data and control over the database to significant disruptions in service. Here are some examples:
Why Do SQLi Vulnerabilities Persist?
The root of SQLi vulnerabilities often lies in how web applications handle user input. SQLi vulnerabilities arise when an application's data handling processes fail to properly sanitize or validate user input, allowing attackers to insert or "inject" malicious SQL commands into these user inputs, which are then executed by the database. Such vulnerabilities are a consequence of a fundamental oversight in the design and development of the application, where user inputs are integrated directly into SQL queries without adequate checking or sanitization.
While traditional testing methods like manual code review and penetration testing have their place, they often fall short when it comes to scalability and thoroughness, particularly for complex and expansive applications. Here's why:
The Game Changer Called DAST
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools, such as Qualys Web Application Scanning (WAS), emerge as pivotal players in automatically identifying vulnerabilities, including SQLi, across the entire application portfolio, addressing the scalability and thoroughness issues presented by traditional methods.
By acting as an automated security scanner, simulating attacks, and crawling web applications, DAST tools proactively identify vulnerabilities, especially SQLi like CWE-89: SQL Injection, OWASP Top 10 [A03:2021 - Injection], enabling organizations to fortify their applications against potential breaches.
Qualys WAS is a leading cloud-based DAST solution that detects runtime vulnerabilities, misconfigurations & compliance issues, including OWASP Top 10, using automated, continuous scanning & monitoring. Qualys WAS empowers users to:
Here are some ways Qualys WAS can elevate application security posture:
By adopting DAST and leveraging solutions like Qualys WAS, organizations can navigate the complexities of SQL injection vulnerabilities with confidence and precision.
Start with our 30-day no-cost trial of Qualys WAS and begin your journey towards a more secure AppSec strategy.
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