What is a Code Injection?

Code injection is a cybersecurity vulnerability in which an attacker inserts malicious code into a software application, causing the system to execute unauthorized commands or scripts. This typically happens due to insufficient validation or improper handling of user-supplied input. The injected code disrupts normal functionality, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access, alter sensitive information, or compromise entire systems.

This vulnerability commonly occurs in web applications through methods like SQL injection, where attackers exploit input fields to inject harmful SQL commands. For example, a malicious user might enter specific commands into a login form, tricking the database into providing sensitive user data or administrative access. To effectively prevent code injection, developers must thoroughly validate and sanitize all user inputs, adopt secure programming techniques such as parameterized queries, and maintain regular security audits and updates to identify and remediate potential weaknesses promptly.