Developers encouraged to eliminate SQL injection weaknesses in their software
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have issued an alert, urging software manufacturers to take immediate action to eliminate SQL injection vulnerabilities in their products.
SQL, a programming language used to manage data in relational databases, is the focus of the alert. The agencies suggest that developers can eliminate SQL injection vulnerabilities by making changes during the software design and development phases.
One of the key measures recommended is the use of parameterized queries (prepared statements). This approach separates SQL code from user inputs, preventing SQL injection by avoiding dynamic SQL code constructed from user data.
Other recommended practices include applying the principle of least privilege, validating and sanitizing all user inputs contextually, using stored procedures carefully, deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), keeping software and dependencies updated, monitoring database activity, and employing Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) frameworks.
CISA officials are pushing for software and hardware manufacturers to make their products secure by design and secure by default as part of the Biden administration's national cybersecurity strategy. Libraries to support the suggested pattern are likely accessible, according to Spencer McIntyre, security research manager and head of Metasploit development at Rapid7.
However, McIntyre notes that migrating to prepared statements may not be easy for all software producers. The software industry has been aware of the risk of SQL injection flaws for decades, but manufacturers have not taken sufficient steps to remove these defects from software, according to CISA and the FBI.
In fact, SQL injection defects played a significant role in the widespread attacks linked to MOVEit file transfer software in 2023. If SQL injection vulnerabilities are found, the agencies are asking the companies to take immediate steps to eliminate these defects from existing and future software.
By adopting these recommended practices, software manufacturers can significantly reduce the risk of SQL injection vulnerabilities, securing their products against database attacks and contributing to a safer digital environment.
Vulnerabilities in data-and-cloud-computing, particularly SQL injection vulnerabilities, pose a significant threat to cybersecurity. To secure products and promote data safety, software manufacturers are encouraged to adopt recommended practices, such as using parameterized queries, validating and sanitizing user inputs, and applying the principle of least privilege.
Taking these steps to eliminate SQL injection vulnerabilities not only secures software against database attacks but also contributes to a safer digital environment aligned with the Biden administration's national cybersecurity strategy.
