Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic
The product generates a query intended to access or manipulate data in a data store, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that can modify the intended logic of the query.
This covers injection attacks against NoSQL databases, ORM frameworks, and other data query mechanisms that differ from traditional SQL injection.
How to fix this vulnerability
Prevention strategies for NoSQL Injection based on 3 Shoulder detection rules.
Use typed structs or explicit operators, validate all user input
func findUser(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) { username := r.URL.Query().Get("username") - filter := bson.M{"username": username} + // Use explicit $eq to prevent operator injection + filter := bson.M{"username": bson.M{"$eq": username}} collection.FindOne(ctx, filter) }
Validate input types and sanitize MongoDB operators
- app.post('/login', async (req, res) => { - const { username, password } = req.body; - // Vulnerable: user can send { "$gt": "" } as password + const mongoSanitize = require('mongo-sanitize'); + + app.post('/login', async (req, res) => { + const username = mongoSanitize(req.body.username); + const password = mongoSanitize(req.body.password); const user = await User.findOne({ username, password }); if (user) { res.json({ success: true }); } });
Validate input types and use ObjectId for ID fields
from flask import request from pymongo import MongoClient db = MongoClient().mydb @app.route('/login', methods=['POST']) def login(): data = request.get_json() - # Vulnerable: entire dict from user - user = db.users.find_one(data) + # Safe: only use specific string fields + username = str(data.get('username', '')) + password = str(data.get('password', '')) + user = db.users.find_one({ + 'username': username, + 'password': password + }) return {'success': bool(user)}
Find vulnerabilities in your code
Use Shoulder to scan your codebase for Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic patterns. 3 rules.
# Scan with Shoulder CLI npx @shoulderdev/cli trust --cwe=943 # Or scan entire project npx @shoulderdev/cli trust .
Detection Rules (3)
What to watch for in code reviews
These patterns indicate potential Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic vulnerabilities. Look for these during code reviews and security audits.
Scan your codebase for Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic
Shoulder CLI finds vulnerable patterns across your entire codebase.