Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

Which type of attack involves exploiting input vulnerabilities to execute commands through a web application?

1. Brute-force attack

2. SQL injection attack

3. Trojan horse attack

4. Denial of service attack

The correct answer is: SQL injection attack

The type of attack that involves exploiting input vulnerabilities to execute commands through a web application is a SQL injection attack. This method occurs when an attacker is able to insert or "inject" malicious SQL queries into input fields that are not properly sanitized or validated. Consequently, this allows the attacker to manipulate the database behind the web application's interface, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying database content, or executing administrative operations on the database. SQL injection is particularly concerning because it leverages flaws in the application's code that handles user input, making it a common vector for attackers to exploit. The effectiveness of this attack relates directly to the application's failure to use parameterized queries or store procedures correctly, which would normally prevent execution of injected commands. In contrast, other types of attacks, such as brute-force attacks, target authentication mechanisms by systematically trying various combinations to gain access without exploiting input directly. Trojan horse attacks involve deceptive software that misleads users into executing malicious code but do not focus specifically on input vulnerabilities within a web application. Denial of service attacks aim to overwhelm a system to make it unavailable, again not relating to exploiting input fields. While these methods are significant in their own rights, they do not utilize the same approach as SQL injection attacks in exploiting web