Parametrized
HardWeb Security
Overview
The backend proudly claims that every database query is fully parameterized..”
According to the developer, there’s absolutely no way for you to read the admin’s private notes.
Prove them wrong Flag Format: Flag{}
Lab Details
Prerequisites & Requirements
- Basic understanding of how web applications and HTTP requests work
- Familiarity with JavaScript and how Express.js handles query parameters
- Understanding of SQL databases and basic SQL syntax
- General knowledge of web security concepts, especially SQL injection
- Awareness of how MySQL parameterized queries are intended to work
- Ability to inspect and manipulate URL query strings
What will you learn?
- How object injection in query parameters can subvert "safe" parameterized SQL queries
- How the MySQL driver transforms JavaScript objects into SQL expressions
- Why comparing database columns against themselves or mismatching types leads to logic bypasses
- How type coercion in MySQL can turn failed comparisons into true conditions
- Techniques to extract protected data without knowing secret keys
- How subtle driver behavior can introduce SQL injection even in "secure" code
- How to reliably exploit Express.js + mysql/mysql2 object-to-SQL behavior
Tools
- Any modern web browser with developer tools
- cURL, Postman, or a similar tool for crafting custom HTTP requests
- Python (optional) for automated exploitation scripts
- Basic knowledge of Node.js, Express.js, and MySQL
- Burp Suite or any intercepting proxy (optional but useful)
Job Positions
Ethical Hacker
Tags
Sql InjectionInput ValidationJavascriptBroken Access ControlSource Code Review