SQL injection is a common web security vulnerability that allows attackers to execute malicious SQL queries through input fields of a web form or URL parameters.
Prevention Techniques in PHP:
Prepared Statements:
- Use prepared statements with parameterized queries instead of directly embedding user input into SQL queries.
- Prepared statements separate SQL logic from data, preventing attackers from injecting malicious SQL code.
Parameterized Queries:
- Bind user input to SQL placeholders.
- Prevents alteration of SQL structure or injection of malicious commands.
Input Validation and Sanitization:
- Validate and sanitize user input.
- Utilize PHP functions or regex to remove malicious characters.
Database User Privileges:
- Restrict database user privileges.
- Grant only necessary permissions, avoiding excessive access.
Error Handling and Logging:
- Implement error handling for unexpected input or database errors.
- Log SQL errors and suspicious activities for monitoring.
Security Best Practices:
- Stay updated on security practices.
- Regularly update frameworks and libraries.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing.