How to Learn SQL Injection Step by Step for CEH?

Introduction

SQL Injection is the most tested vulnerability in CEH theory (8–10 questions) and practical (5–7 flags). It appears in every exam because 70% of real breaches involve SQLi — attackers dump databases, bypass login, get shells. Beginners struggle with blind/time-based types, but with proper theory and practice, you can crack any SQLi in minutes. At Ethical Hacking Training Institute we dedicate 100+ lab hours to SQLi with real vulnerable apps (DVWA, SQLi Labs, custom WAF setups) so even non-coders become experts in 30 days and clear CEH Practical with full web flags.

Step 1: SQL Injection Theory – How It Works

• SQLi happens when user input is concatenated into queries
• Example: SELECT * FROM users WHERE name = '$input'
• Payload ' OR 1=1 -- bypasses login
• Result: query becomes SELECT * FROM users WHERE name = '' OR 1=1 --'
• Attacker dumps entire table
• Our foundation classes explain with diagrams & code examples

SQL Injection Types – Theoretical Breakdown

Understand SQLi theory deeply.

Step 2: Manual SQL Injection Detection & Exploitation

First test for SQLi with single quote ' to trigger error. If error, it's error-based. If no output, use AND 1=1 (true) vs AND 1=2 (false) for boolean. For time-based, AND SLEEP(5). Determine column number with ORDER BY. Use UNION SELECT to extract data. Dump database with database(), tables from information_schema. Manual is crucial for understanding — we teach with 50+ manual SQLi labs before automation.

Step 3: sqlmap Automation – Crack Any SQLi in Seconds

• sqlmap -u "URL" --forms --batch
• --dbs --tables --columns --dump
• --risk=3 --level=5 for advanced
• --tamper=space2comment for WAF bypass
• --os-shell for reverse shell
• Our 100+ sqlmap challenges on WAF-protected apps

Step 4: WAF Bypass & Advanced Techniques

WAF like ModSecurity, Cloudflare block basic payloads. Bypass with case variation (UnIoN SeLeCt), comments (/**/), encoding (%55nIoN), HTTP parameter pollution (id=1&id=2). Use tamper scripts in sqlmap. For stacked queries, ; SELECT database() --. Our advanced labs have real WAF setups so you practice bypasses used in real pentests.

Bypass WAF with techniques.

Step 5: SQL Injection Prevention Theory

• Parameterized queries (prepared statements)
• Input sanitization & validation
• Stored procedures
• ORM frameworks (Hibernate, Django ORM)
• Least privilege database users
• WAF & monitoring

Step 6: CEH Exam & Practical Tips

In theory, know all types, payloads, prevention. In practical, 5–7 flags from SQLi. First test manual, then sqlmap if stuck. Document PoC screenshots. We run weekly CEH mock practicals with real SQLi flags.

Conclusion

SQL Injection is easy to learn but hard to master without practice. Join Ethical Hacking Training Institute and get:

• 100+ live SQLi vulnerable apps
• sqlmap + Burp Pro cloud
• Daily new challenges
• Weekend batches
• 100% placement

Book demo — crack first SQLi in 30 minutes!

Avoid common mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SQLi hard for beginners?

No — we start from theory basics.

How many steps to learn SQLi?

6 steps as above — from theory to prevention.

Is sqlmap compulsory?

Yes — for speed in exam.

Which type is most tested?

Blind & time-based — harder ones.

Is manual SQLi needed?

Yes — for understanding & bypasses.

Do you teach WAF bypass?

Yes — advanced labs with ModSecurity.

Is prevention important?

Yes — 4–6 theory questions.

Weekend batch covers SQLi?

Yes — 30% time on SQLi labs.

How many labs needed?

100+ for confidence.

Is report writing for SQLi?

Yes — PoC in practical.

Do you provide payloads?

Yes — 1000+ custom payloads.

Can freshers learn SQLi?

Yes — 80% students are freshers.

Is coding required?

No for CEH level.

Placement after SQLi module?

Yes — web pentester roles.

How to start today?

Book free demo — crack first SQLi in 30 minutes!