Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) Certification Practice Test

Which technique is recommended to protect against SQL injection attacks?

1. Using raw SQL queries

2. Using parameterized SQL statements

3. Using stored procedures only

4. Using view permissions

The correct answer is: Using parameterized SQL statements

Using parameterized SQL statements is widely regarded as a best practice for protecting against SQL injection attacks. This technique involves defining SQL queries where parameters are specified separately from the actual SQL code. By doing this, it ensures that any user input is treated strictly as data, rather than executable code. This segregation prevents malicious inputs from modifying the structure of the SQL commands being executed. When a parameterized query is used, the database driver automatically handles the appropriate escaping of the inputs, which eliminates the risk of an attacker injecting harmful SQL commands. This method is highly effective and widely supported across various programming languages and database systems, making it a robust choice for enhancing the security of database interactions. In contrast to this practice, alternatives like using raw SQL queries can leave applications vulnerable, as they often involve concatenating user inputs directly into the query string, potentially allowing for harmful modifications. While stored procedures can offer some level of protection, they may not always shield against SQL injection if they are not implemented with proper parameterization. Meanwhile, controlling view permissions does not directly address the core issue of SQL injection vulnerabilities in the context of query execution. Thus, parameterized SQL statements stand out as the most effective technique for safeguarding against such security threats.