SQL Database Security Assessment
Comprehensive penetration testing and security assessment for relational databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, and MariaDB. Identify SQL injection vulnerabilities, authentication weaknesses, and configuration issues.
Supported SQL Databases
Deep expertise in all popular relational databases and their security features
5.7, 8.0+
12, 13, 14, 15, 16
19c, 21c, 23ai
2019, 2022
10.x, 11.x
3.x
SQL Injection Attack Types
We test all types of SQL injection attacks to ensure complete security coverage
In-band SQL injection where attacker uses the same channel to launch attack and gather results. Includes error-based and UNION-based techniques.
Example Payloads:
' OR '1'='1' UNION SELECT * FROM users--No visible error messages or data returned. Attacker infers information through boolean conditions or time delays.
Example Payloads:
' AND 1=1--' AND SLEEP(5)--Uses database time functions to infer information. Response time indicates whether condition is true or false.
Example Payloads:
'; WAITFOR DELAY '0:0:5'--' AND IF(1=1,SLEEP(5),0)--Payload is stored in database and executed later in different context. Often bypasses input validation.
Example Payloads:
Stored XSS + SQLiUsername: admin'--Uses database features to make external network connections (DNS, HTTP) to exfiltrate data when direct output is blocked.
Example Payloads:
xp_dirtreeUTL_HTTP.REQUESTMultiple SQL statements executed in single query. Allows INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE operations, or stored procedure calls.
Example Payloads:
'; INSERT INTO users VALUES('hacker','pass')--'; EXEC xp_cmdshell 'whoami'--What Do We Assess?
Comprehensive coverage of all SQL database security aspects
- Classic In-Band Injection
- Blind SQL Injection (Boolean & Time)
- Out-of-Band Injection
- Second-Order Injection
- Stored Procedure Injection
- Error-Based Extraction
- Password Cracking & Weak Credentials
- Authentication Bypass
- Excessive User Privileges
- Role & Group Review
- Default Credentials
- Brute Force Testing
- Stored Procedure Security
- Command Injection in UDFs
- Privilege Escalation via Functions
- Trigger Review
- Arbitrary Code Execution
- File System Access
- Encryption at Rest (TDE)
- Encryption in Transit (SSL/TLS)
- Key Management
- Sensitive Data Masking
- Tokenization
- Backup Security
- CIS Benchmark Review
- Unnecessary Ports & Services
- Logging Configuration
- Security Patches
- Network Listener Security
- Extra Services
- Audit Trail Configuration
- Access Logging
- Change Monitoring
- Log Integrity
- Retention Policies
- Security Alerting
CIS Benchmarks
Assessment based on CIS standards for each database type
Common Vulnerabilities
Vulnerabilities we commonly discover in SQL database assessments
Unvalidated user input allowing arbitrary SQL command execution
Database using default passwords or easily guessable credentials
Users granted more permissions than required for their role
Database connections not using SSL/TLS encryption
No audit trail for database operations and access attempts
Running database version with known security vulnerabilities
Assessment Process
Our structured approach to SQL database security assessment
Identify database instances, versions, network exposure, and connected applications. Map the attack surface.
Assess database configuration against CIS benchmarks. Review security settings, authentication methods, and access controls.
Execute comprehensive SQL injection testing including blind, time-based, union-based, and second-order injection attacks.
Attempt to escalate privileges using stored procedures, user-defined functions, or configuration weaknesses.
Demonstrate data extraction capabilities to prove impact. Extract sample sensitive data with client approval.
Detailed technical report with severity ratings, exploitation proof, and specific remediation steps for each finding.
Deliverables
Comprehensive documentation you will receive at the end of the assessment
High-level overview of findings and risk posture for management
Detailed findings with CVSS scores, exploitation proof, and remediation steps
Control-by-control compliance status with your database type
Screenshots, payloads, and step-by-step reproduction steps
Database-specific remediation steps and hardening recommendations
Validation of remediation effectiveness after fixes are applied