codeinjection

Code injection is a type of security vulnerability that occurs when an attacker can introduce malicious code into an application or system. This code is then executed by the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, or system compromise. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in how an application handles user-provided input to insert their code.

Common forms of code injection include SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and command injection. SQL injection targets databases by inserting malicious SQL statements into input fields, allowing attackers to manipulate or steal data. XSS attacks involve injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially stealing session cookies or redirecting them to malicious sites. Command injection allows attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the server.

Preventing code injection primarily involves robust input validation and sanitization. Developers must treat all user-supplied data as potentially untrusted and ensure it is properly checked and cleaned before being used in commands, queries, or rendered in output. Using parameterized queries for database interactions, employing output encoding, and implementing secure coding practices are crucial defenses against these types of attacks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments can also help identify and remediate potential weaknesses.