Automated SQL Injection Scanning

Active scanning automates SQL injection detection across discovered application content. After spidering your target application, initiate an active scan focusing on dynamic content. ZAP systematically injects SQL payloads into every parameter, analyzing responses for injection indicators. The scanner uses increasingly complex payloads, starting with simple quotes and progressing to sophisticated blind injection techniques.

Understanding ZAP's detection methodology helps interpret results. Error-based detection looks for database error messages in responses—the most reliable indicator of SQL injection. Common errors include SQL syntax errors, table/column name disclosures, and database-specific error codes. ZAP maintains extensive error pattern databases covering major database systems. When errors appear after payload injection, SQL injection is highly likely.

Blind SQL injection detection uses more subtle techniques when errors are suppressed. Boolean-based blind injection sends different payloads causing true/false conditions, comparing responses to infer vulnerability. Time-based detection injects sleep commands, measuring response delays. These techniques require multiple requests and careful timing analysis, making them slower but capable of finding vulnerabilities in hardened applications.