How To Hack Databases
Database Intrusion Techniques
Common methods that hackers use to gain unauthorized access to databases include social engineering, password attacks, malware, exploitation of software vulnerabilities, credential stuffing, brute force attacks, phishing attacks, and SQL injections. Hackers may manipulate individuals through social engineering to obtain sensitive information, use automated systems to try known username and password combinations (credential stuffing), guess passwords through brute force attacks, trick individuals into revealing credentials through phishing attacks, and exploit vulnerabilities in software to gain access to databases. Additionally, hackers may perform SQL injections to manipulate database queries and retrieve sensitive information (Mayhem Security, Comparitech, UpGuard).
An SQL injection is a type of attack where malicious SQL commands are injected into an application’s input fields in order to manipulate the database, access sensitive data, or take control of the server. This type of attack is a significant cyber risk, especially when databases store customer information, credit card numbers, credentials, or other personally identifiable information (UpGuard).
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a type of cyber attack where malicious code is injected into a website, with the intention of affecting the website’s visitors rather than the site itself. Attackers often achieve this by inserting harmful code, such as a link to malicious JavaScript, into vulnerable sections of a website, like the comment section of a blog post (UpGuard). This allows the attacker to execute scripts in the context of the user’s browser, potentially leading to the theft of sensitive information or unauthorized actions on the website (Frontiers).
Some common social engineering tactics used for hacking databases include phishing, where cyber criminals send deceptive emails or messages with malicious attachments or links to trick employees into providing sensitive information or downloading malware (MitnickSecurity, CrowdStrike). Another tactic is manipulating or deceiving individuals through psychological manipulation to trick them into making security mistakes or revealing confidential information (Mayhem Security).
Exploiting Database Vulnerabilities
SQL injection attacks involve injecting malicious SQL commands into an application’s input fields to manipulate the database directly, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or taking control of the server. On the other hand, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks inject malicious scripts into web pages, aiming to impact the website’s visitors rather than directly manipulating the database. While SQL injection targets the application’s database, XSS targets the website’s users by exploiting vulnerabilities in the website’s code (UpGuard, Mayhem Security).
Hackers can bypass authentication and authorization mechanisms in database systems by exploiting vulnerabilities such as stolen or compromised credentials, weak passwords, and social engineering tactics. They may use techniques like multi-factor authentication (MFA) bypass through social engineering tactics, such as Adversary-in-the-middle (AITM) attacks, which manipulate users into unknowingly providing access or information that hackers can use to bypass security measures (TheHackerNews). Additionally, hackers often target organizations that have poor defenses and are considered low-hanging fruit, making it easier for them to infiltrate systems and networks (ITPro). Companies can mitigate these risks by implementing strong password policies, MFA, and providing employee training to recognize and respond to social engineering attacks (IBM).
Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft during sign-in attempts. Teaching users how to recognize and report suspicious activity, along with updating them on security risks regularly, can help develop a healthy skepticism when working online (Forbes). Requiring strong passwords and utilizing MFA can make it harder for hackers to steal credentials or gain unauthorized access to database systems (IBM). Adopting a layered defense-in-depth approach, implementing various defensive techniques and programs, and educating users to recognize and respond to unauthorized access attempts can help organizations and individuals detect and respond effectively to such incidents on their database systems (CISA).
Examples of Database Breaches
Hackers typically identify and exploit vulnerabilities in database management systems (DBMS) through techniques such as SQL injection attacks, mentioned above. This method takes advantage of poor coding practices and inadequate input validation within the DBMS, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands and extract data from the database (UpGuard).
In 2017, Equifax suffered a database breach carried out through the exploitation of a vulnerability in their website software, allowing attackers to gain access to sensitive personal information of over 140 million individuals (Forbes). Another example of this occurring is with the Yahoo data breaches, where in 2013 and 2014, attackers used stolen credentials to access Yahoo’s systems and compromise the account information of billions of users (UpGuard).
Database Intrusion Defense
Hackers can bypass authentication and authorization mechanisms in database systems through various methods, including exploiting stolen or compromised credentials, leveraging social engineering tactics, and targeting vulnerabilities in the system itself. One common tactic is to use stolen credentials, as highlighted in IBM’s report on data breaches, where hackers can use passwords obtained from breaches or the dark web to gain unauthorized access to accounts. Additionally, hackers may employ social engineering techniques to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or granting access to systems. It is essential for organizations to implement strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and security awareness training to mitigate the risk of these attacks (IBM, ITPro, TheHackerNews).
Understanding the methods and motivations behind database hacking is imperative for developing effective mitigation strategies. Hackers employ various techniques such as social engineering, SQL injections, and cross-site scripting to exploit vulnerabilities in databases and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. By implementing robust security measures including strong password policies, multifactor authentication, and regular employee training, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of database breaches.
References
- CISA. Technical Approaches to Uncovering and Remediating Malicious Activity. Retrieved from https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-245a
- Comparitech. What is Account Takeover Fraud (with examples) and how to spot it. Retrieved from https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/account-takeover-fraud/
- CrowdStrike. 10 Types of Social Engineering Attacks. Retrieved from https://www.crowdstrike.com/cybersecurity-101/types-of-social-engineering-attacks/
- Forbes. The Phases Of Account Takeover Attacks And How To Stop Them. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/03/17/the-phases-of-account-takeover-attacks-and-how-to-stop-them/
- Forbes. How Hackers Hack: Steps Criminals Take To Assume Control Of A Network. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/01/18/how-hackers-hack-steps-criminals-take-to-assume-control-of-a-network/
- Frontiers. Phishing Attacks: A Recent Comprehensive Study and a New Anatomy. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcomp.2021.563060/full
- IBM. What is cyber hacking?. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/topics/cyber-hacking
- ITPro. How do hackers choose their targets?. Retrieved from https://www.itpro.com/security/hacking/357971/how-do-hackers-choose-their-targets
- Mayhem Security. Common Techniques Hackers Use to Penetrate Systems and How to Protect Your Organization. Retrieved from https://www.mayhem.security/blog/common-techniques-hackers-use-to-penetrate-systems-and-how-to-protect-your-organization
- MitnickSecurity. 4 Ways Hackers Use Social Engineering to Trick Your Employees (& You!). Retrieved from https://www.mitnicksecurity.com/blog/ways-hackers-use-social-engineering-to-trick-your-employees
- TheHackerNews. 4 Ways Hackers use Social Engineering to Bypass MFA. Retrieved from https://thehackernews.com/2024/02/4-ways-hackers-use-social-engineering.html
- UpGuard. 19 Most Common Types of Phishing Attacks in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.upguard.com/blog/types-of-phishing-attacks
- UpGuard. What is an Attack Vector? 16 Critical Examples. Retrieved from https://www.upguard.com/blog/attack-vector
