Code Injection and its potential risks
Code Injection involves a computerised code being injected via applications installed on laptops. Its main purpose is to modify a device’s functioning or to alter some of its features. It is a technique which, with the use of browsers, operating systems and email clients, is used by many well-known programs to carry out the tasks for which they were designed.
One common example is antivirus software, which uses Code Injection to monitor navigation carried out via a browser. However, it is also important to remember that this is a functionality which is also often used by malware to infect devices.
How Code Injection works
Code Injection can be used in various ways. One of these is the use of DDL files. This method is based on the use of some operating systems APIs and the possibility of connecting different processes via them. In such cases, the programs involved are not modified directly. In fact, it is only once the application has fully loaded that code is injected into it.
This procedure of Code Injection is used by antivirus software, but also by translation programs. In that case, the purpose is to activate the translator in a certain language using the mouse keys or the keypad. Another notable point is its role in the functioning of certain system drivers and especially in the optimisation of peripherals.
How to check your computer for the presence of Code Injection
It is quite straightforward to check your device for the presence of Code Injection and you can do this by using free software which enables you to view not only the names of DDL files, but also their producer and details of their route.
Among the options available in those programs, it is possible to choose the applications to be monitored and with a simple click of the mouse on their name, you can view a list of all the DDL files in use at any given time.
How to defend against SQL Injection
SQL Injection involves a type of Code Injection which is used mainly to attack applications used for data management. It involves the injection of strings of malevolent SQL code into the input fields, so that they are carried out. To protect against this, it is crucial to check the applications’ automatic input.
In other words, this implies the checking of the parameters which are used each time to enter the input. In case of a numeric parameter request, verification can be put in place using a PHP script characterised by the is_numeric() function. In the case of filtering, the relevant special characters are ignored.
It is also fundamental that the applications do not show external error messages which could inadvertently display information relating to the system used, or the structure of the database. The role of so-called prepared statements is also essential, as they can be easily used with a variety of DBMS.
Predefined instructions originally used to carry out frequent interrogations, prepared statement have a structure which helps to reduce the risk of Code Injection for malicious purposes. Thanks to their parameterised instructions, they are in fact able to communicate real SQL commands to the database.
Another tip to protect yourself from the risk of SQL Injection involves maintaining a good level of server security, which can be optimised by installing only those applications necessary for the correct functioning of the database. For this reason, it is best to remove any user accounts which are un-necessary and install all the requested updates to the system and programs.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith