-1' OR 5*5=26 --

*Understanding the SQL Injection Attempt: `-1' OR 55=26 --`**

This SQL injection attempt is a variation of classic SQL injection techniques, leveraging arithmetic operations and comment syntax to manipulate queries. Below is a breakdown of its components, implications, and defenses:

1. Syntax Breakdown

The injection -1' OR 5*5=26 -- consists of:

-1': Terminates the original string parameter (e.g., in WHERE id='...') and forces a numeric evaluation.
*`OR 55=26**: Introduces a boolean condition. While5*5=25` is false, the query may still execute due to SQL's type coercion or logical evaluation quirks.
--: A comment delimiter in SQL, nullifying any remaining original query syntax (e.g., ' AND password='...').

Source: tcm-sec.com

2. Arithmetic Abuse in SQL

MySQL and other databases sometimes perform implicit type conversions:

Strings are converted to numbers (e.g., 'abc' = 0 evaluates to true).
Arithmetic operations (-, *) can bypass input validation.
- Example: ''-'' is interpreted as 0 due to type coercion. blog.kotowicz.net

Source: youtube.com

**3. Why `OR 5*5=26` Might Work**

While logically false, the condition can still exploit:

Short-circuit evaluation: If the first condition (-1') fails, the OR clause may still execute.
Error-based injection: Some databases reveal errors when arithmetic operations fail.
Legacy systems: Older software may not sanitize arithmetic operators properly.

4. Defense Mechanisms

To prevent such injections:

Parameterized queries: Use prepared statements to separate data from logic.
Input validation: Reject non-numeric input where numbers are expected.
WAFs (Web Application Firewalls): Filter suspicious patterns (e.g., OR, --).

Source: aem1k.com

5. Broader Implications

Data breaches: Even "false" conditions can leak data if combined with other clauses.
Logic bombs: Attackers may chain multiple conditions (UNION SELECT, AND 1=2) for precision.
Debugging risks: Errors from malformed arithmetic can expose database structure. wikipedia.org

Conclusion

The -1' OR 5*5=26 -- injection demonstrates how arithmetic and logical flaws can be weaponized. Developers must adopt strict input sanitization and modern query practices to mitigate risks. For further study, explore these resources:

Stay vigilant against unconventional attack vectors! 🔒