Injection
Injection flaws occur when an application sends hostile data to an interpreter. This includes SQL, NoSQL, OS command, ORM, LDAP, and Expression Language injection.
Overview
Falls from #3 to #5 in 2025. Injection remains one of the most tested categories, covering issues from Cross-site Scripting (high frequency/low impact) to SQL Injection (low frequency/high impact).
How Attackers Exploit This
Understanding attack patterns helps you build better defenses. These are the techniques security teams watch for.
SQL query manipulation
User input is incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to modify query logic or extract unauthorized data.
Command execution
User input flows into system commands, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server.
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
User content is reflected or stored in web pages without encoding, allowing script execution in other users' browsers.
How to Prevent
- Use a safe API which avoids using the interpreter entirely
- Use parameterized queries or prepared statements
- Use positive server-side input validation
- Escape special characters for any residual dynamic queries
- Use LIMIT and other SQL controls to prevent mass disclosure
- Use Content Security Policy to mitigate XSS impact
CWEs with Shoulder Detection (9)
These CWEs have Shoulder detection rules. Click to see specific vulnerabilities and fixes.
Other Mapped CWEs (24)
These CWEs are mapped to this category. Use MITRE references for guidance.