# SQL Injection Penetration Testing with sqlninja$
## Section 1: Introduction to sqlninja$
### Overview
In this section, we will explore `sqlninja$`, a powerful tool designed to exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications. SQL injection is one of the most common and dangerous vulnerabilities that can lead to unauthorized access, manipulation, and potentially the complete takeover of the backend database. Understanding how to leverage `sqlninja$` will significantly enhance your penetration testing toolkit.
### What is sqlninja$?
`sqlninja$` is an automated SQL injection tool that focuses on exploiting Microsoft SQL Server databases. It provides a range of functionalities that help penetration testers in identifying and exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities. The tool can be used to extract data, execute commands, and even gain a shell on the target system.
### Installation and Configuration
To get started with `sqlninja$`, we need to install and configure it on our Kali Linux system. The following steps outline the installation process:
#### Step 1: Update Your Kali Linux
Before installing any new tools, it’s always a good practice to ensure your system is up to date.
"`bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
"`
#### Step 2: Install Required Dependencies
`sqlninja$` has a few dependencies that need to be installed. You can do this using the following command:
"`bash
sudo apt install sqlmap curl git -y
"`
#### Step 3: Clone the sqlninja$ Repository
The next step is to clone the `sqlninja$` repository from GitHub. Use the following command:
"`bash
git clone https://github.com/xxshel/SQLNinja.git
"`
#### Step 4: Navigate to the sqlninja$ Directory
Once cloned, navigate to the `sqlninja$` directory:
"`bash
cd SQLNinja
"`
#### Step 5: Configure sqlninja$
Before using `sqlninja$`, you need to configure the tool. Make a copy of the configuration file:
"`bash
cp sqlninja.conf.sample sqlninja.conf
"`
Now, you can edit the `sqlninja.conf` file:
"`bash
nano sqlninja.conf
"`
In this configuration file, you can set up various parameters such as:
– **Target URL**: The URL of the vulnerable web application.
– **Database Type**: Specify the type of database (in this case, Microsoft SQL Server).
– **Payloads**: Optionally specify custom payloads for the SQL injection.
Once you have configured the necessary options, save the file and exit.
### Step-by-Step Usage and Real-World Use Cases
Now that we have `sqlninja$` installed and configured, let’s dive into using the tool effectively.
#### Basic Command Usage
To run `sqlninja$`, execute the following command in the terminal:
"`bash
perl sqlninja.pl -u "http://target.com/vuln.php?id=1"
"`
**Parameters Explained:**
– `-u`: This option specifies the target URL where the SQL injection is suspected.
This command will launch `sqlninja$` and attempt to exploit the SQL injection point.
#### Real-World Use Case: Extracting Database Information
**Scenario**: You have identified a vulnerable web application that uses SQL Server. You want to extract the database version.
1. **Run the Initial Scan**
Use the command as mentioned above:
perl sqlninja.pl -u "http://target.com/vuln.php?id=1"
2. **Exploit the SQL Injection**
Once the tool successfully identifies the vulnerability, you can extract the database version using the following command:
perl sqlninja.pl -u "http://target.com/vuln.php?id=1" -D info
Here, `-D info` tells `sqlninja$` to extract information about the database.
#### Extracting User Tables
To extract user tables, you can use:
"`bash
perl sqlninja.pl -u "http://target.com/vuln.php?id=1" -D users
"`
This command allows you to see the user-related tables, helping you gather intelligence for further exploits.
### Detailed Technical Explanations
Understanding how `sqlninja$` functions under the hood helps you to leverage its full potential. The following sections break down the key components of SQL injection and how `sqlninja$` uses them.
#### SQL Injection Basics
SQL injection occurs when an attacker can manipulate a web application's query by injecting arbitrary SQL code. This often happens when user input is not properly sanitized. For example, consider the following insecure code snippet:
"`php
$query = "SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = " . $_GET['id'];
"`
If an attacker passes `1; DROP TABLE users; –`, the resulting SQL query becomes:
"`sql
SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = 1; DROP TABLE users; –;
"`
This will execute two commands: retrieving user data and dropping the users’ table.
#### How sqlninja$ Works
`sqlninja$` intelligently crafts payloads to exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities. It automates the process of:
– Identifying injection points.
– Crafting appropriate SQL queries.
– Extracting data from the database.
– Running arbitrary commands on the database server.
### External Reference Links
– [SQL Injection – OWASP Cheat Sheet](https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/SQL_Injection_Cheat_Sheet.html)
– [SQLNinja Documentation](https://sqlninja.sourceforge.net/)
– [Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking by Georgia Weidman](https://www.amazon.com/Penetration-Testing-Hands-Introduction-Hacking/dp/1593275641)
### Code Examples for WordPress
In WordPress, SQL injection vulnerabilities often arise from poorly sanitized input fields. Here’s an example of how an attacker might exploit this type of vulnerability:
"`php
// Vulnerable code
global $wpdb;
$id = $_GET['id']; // Unsanitized input
$query = "SELECT * FROM {$wpdb->prefix}users WHERE ID = $id";
$result = $wpdb->get_results($query);
"`
An attacker could input `1 OR 1=1` to retrieve all users:
"`sql
SELECT * FROM wp_users WHERE ID = 1 OR 1=1;
"`
To mitigate such risks, ensure you use prepared statements:
"`php
global $wpdb;
$id = intval($_GET['id']); // Sanitization
$query = $wpdb->prepare("SELECT * FROM {$wpdb->prefix}users WHERE ID = %d", $id);
$result = $wpdb->get_results($query);
"`
By using `intval()` and `$wpdb->prepare()`, we protect against SQL injection attacks.
### Conclusion
In this section, we covered the fundamental aspects of `sqlninja$`, from installation to practical usage for SQL injection attacks. Understanding how to use this tool effectively is critical for any penetration tester focusing on web application security. In the next sections, we will further explore advanced techniques and case studies to solidify your understanding of SQL injection and the capabilities of `sqlninja$`.
—
Made by pablo rotem / פבלו רותם