Detecting and Mitigating SQL Injection Vulnerabilities in Web Applications

Abstract: SQL injection (SQLi) remains a critical vulnerability in web applications, enabling attackers to manipulate databases through malicious inputs. Despite advancements in mitigation techniques, the evolving complexity of web applications and attack strategies continues to pose significant risks. This paper presents a comprehensive penetration testing methodology to identify, exploit, and mitigate SQLi vulnerabilities in a PHP-MySQL-based web application. Utilizing tools such as OWASP ZAP, sqlmap, and Nmap, the study demonstrates a systematic approach to vulnerability assessment and remediation. The findings underscore the efficacy of input sanitization and prepared statements in mitigating SQLi risks, while highlighting the need for ongoing security assessments to address emerging threats. The study contributes to the field by providing practical insights into effective detection and prevention strategies, supported by a real-world case study.