Injection attack: definition and risk for businesses

After reading this article, you will understand more about:

• What is an injection attack?
• The different types of injection attacks
• The motivations behind injection attacks
• Dangers for SMEs
• Methods of protection against this type of cyberattack

The injection attack, far from a small prick

While the injection attack can be compared to receiving a vaccine, the consequences are quite different. Think of this form of cyberattack more like a venomous scorpion sting on one of your web applications.

This article will teach you more about injection attacks and their implications for SMEs. As you probably know, cyberattacks against small and medium-sized organizations are skyrocketing. To better protect yourself, it's important to be aware of the various threats that loom over you.

Definition of injection attack

An injection attack involves inserting code into a program or web application. By doing so, the cybercriminal attempts to change the execution of their target, which can lead to a multitude of consequences, such as the spread of malware or even a denial of service attack .

Often, the attacker exploits a known security vulnerability in the targeted application or software, making outdated software that is no longer updated very risky.

By the way, if you still have Windows 7 on your computers, it's extremely important that you plan to migrate to Windows 10 before January 2020. This is the date Microsoft will end support for its operating system. This means that security updates will no longer be provided by Microsoft.

Types of injection attacks

SQL injection is consistently the most common form of injection in the world of cybercrime. It is often carried out by exploiting forms found on websites. By injecting characters or lines of code into the form, hackers can log into user areas. This allows them to extract information such as usernames, passwords, and even credit card numbers.

There are many other types of injections, including CRLF injection, Cross-site Scripting (XSS), SMTP email injection, OS command injection, LDAP injection, and XPath injection. This article from Acunetix provides a good overview of the different types of injection attacks.

“[In 2018], injection accounted for 19% of attacks against web applications.”
– Imperva, 2019

A timeless classic

Injection is one of the oldest forms of cyberattack, but it's still popular among hackers. In Imperva's report, The State of Web Application Vulnerabilities in 2018 , injection accounted for 19% of attacks against web applications. It's the most common attack method used against web applications.

The surge in the number of devices connected to the internet, commonly known as the Internet of Things (IoT), only exacerbates the problem. They are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to their novelty and, consequently, the security vulnerabilities they present.

The risk of Content Management Systems (CMS)

Content Management Systems (CMS) are platforms that enable web content management. You're probably already familiar with WordPress, which is the most widely used CMS on the web.

Extremely popular among businesses due to their user-friendliness, CMSs nevertheless pose a cybersecurity risk if they are not properly maintained. Updates must be performed correctly, and the plugins (modules) you add must be carefully selected, as they can be a gateway if they are not secure.

Injection attacks: a risk for SMEs

Due to their limited resources, small and medium-sized businesses are often the favorite targets of cybercriminals. While large organizations can invest astronomical sums in their protection, the situation is quite different for smaller organizations. Did you know that in 2018, 43% of cyberattacks targeted small businesses ?

Injection attacks therefore present organizations with many potential problems. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, they can serve as a vector for larger attacks such as computer worms that can infect an entire corporate network.

The biggest risk associated with this type of cyberattack is undoubtedly the loss of confidential data. Cybercriminals who obtain sensitive information can use it as a bargaining chip for a ransom, for example. This data can also be sold on the dark web and thus spread among cybercriminals.

Cyberattacks also carry intangible costs, such as loss of credibility, weakened brand image, and even the loss of customers. Have you ever wondered if you can recover from a cyberattack?

How to protect yourself against injection attacks?

The University of Berkeley offers some recommendations to protect against injection attacks.

1. Perform all security updates to your applications and software
2. Establish privilege separation for accounts that have access to databases. Grant only the necessary access to each account
3. Do not use shared databases between different websites and applications
4. Frame the information entered into forms as much as possible. If possible, include drop-down menus or checkboxes. Avoid fields that allow users to manually enter information

Nexxo can help you prevent injection attacks

With many years of experience in managing information technology for Quebec businesses, Nexxo can support you in strengthening your security. Contact us now. Your initial consultation is free, and together we'll explore how we can contribute to your organization's success through sound IT management.

About Nexxo IT Solutions

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.