OWASP Top 10 : INJECTION ATTACKS

Imagine walking into a bank and handing the cashier a note that says:

"Transfer 1 crore to my account."

Instead of verifying, the cashier just does it. Sounds ridiculous, right?

That’s exactly how injection attacks work. Hackers send harmful code to websites, tricking them into revealing data, deleting records, or even taking control.

This is why injection attacks rank in the top 3 of OWASP's top 10 (2025). Let’s break it down.

What is an Injection Attack?

Injection attacks happen when a hacker inputs malicious code into a website’s login box, search bar, or form, making the system execute dangerous commands.

Hackers can:
🔹 Steal personal data (passwords, credit cards, etc.).
🔹 Modify or delete important records.
🔹 Gain full control of a website or system.

Types of Injection Attacks 

🔹 SQL Injection (SQLi) – Hackers steal or delete data from databases.

🔹 Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) – Hackers inject harmful scripts into websites to attack users.
🔹 Command Injection – Hackers send system commands to take control of a server.
🔹 LDAP Injection – Hackers manipulate login directories to gain unauthorized access.

How to Prevent Injection Attacks?

✅ Use input validation – Only allow expected characters (e.g., no special code in login forms).
✅ Use prepared statements – Securely handle database queries.
✅ Escape user input – Convert harmful code into harmless text.
✅ Update software regularly – Fix security gaps before hackers exploit them.
✅ Limit error messages – Don’t reveal database details to attackers.

Final Thoughts

Injection attacks are like invisible thieves—they don’t break in; they trick your system into letting them in. Knowing and preventing them keeps your website, data, and users safe.