What is a common security vulnerability in web applications and how can it be mitigated?

Common Security Vulnerability in Web Applications: SQL Injection

One of the most common security vulnerabilities in web applications is SQL Injection. SQL Injection occurs when malicious SQL code is inserted into input fields, which can manipulate the database and expose sensitive information.

How to Mitigate SQL Injection:

1. Use Parameterized Queries: Utilize SQL parameterization to prevent attackers from injecting malicious SQL code.
2. Input Validation: Validate user input to ensure it meets the expected format and length, thus reducing the chance of SQL Injection.
3. Escaping Characters: Escape special characters in user input to prevent interpretation as SQL code.
4. Implement Least Privilege: Limit database user permissions to reduce the impact of a successful SQL Injection attack.

By following these best practices, web developers can effectively mitigate the risk of SQL Injection in their web applications.