injektiohyökkäys

Injektiohyökkäys, known in English as injection attack, is a cybersecurity threat where malicious code is inserted into a computer program or system. This often occurs when an application takes untrusted data as input and includes it in commands or queries that are then executed by an interpreter. The attacker crafts input that tricks the interpreter into executing unintended commands or accessing data without proper authorization.

The most well-known type of injection attack is SQL injection, which targets databases. By inserting malicious SQL statements into input fields, attackers can manipulate database queries, potentially leading to data theft, modification, or deletion. Other common forms include command injection, which targets operating system commands, and cross-site scripting (XSS), which injects malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

The consequences of an injection attack can be severe, ranging from denial of service to complete system compromise. To mitigate these risks, developers employ various defense mechanisms. Input validation is crucial, ensuring that all user-provided data is properly sanitized and conforms to expected formats. Parameterized queries or prepared statements are highly effective against SQL injection, as they separate code from data. Escaping special characters within user input also helps prevent code from being interpreted as commands. Regular security audits and penetration testing are vital to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.