Preventing SQL injection attacks

SQL injection is not a design bug, but an intentional malicious practice. Database developers must adopt best practices while writing PL/SQL code. If code modification is not possible, the application interface layer may also work to reduce the attack surface area.

Let's take a brief look at the precautionary measures to minimize injection attacks:

• Check your dynamic SQL: Dynamic SQL query text, which is constructed at runtime and directly uses the user-supplied inputs, creates a pregnable hitch point in the application. You can protect them against injection attacks through either of these techniques:

  • Reduce the direct exposure of client inputs to dynamic SQL: You can sanitize and validate the client-supplied inputs before they are used in dynamic SQL. Oracle provides the DBMS_ASSERT package to verify the inputs.

  • Use bind arguments in dynamic SQL: Database developers are encouraged to make use of bind arguments for multiple reasons and one of them is security...