When learning web application security, one truth becomes obvious very quickly:

👉 Finding SQL Injection is good. Exploiting it properly is where real skill shows.

In this write-up, I'm sharing a glimpse of my hands-on lab notes titled "Exploiting SQL Injection with SQLMap", where I explored how attackers automate SQL injection exploitation during real-world penetration tests.

This article doesn't dump commands blindly. Instead, it focuses on the mindset, flow, and impact of using SQLMap effectively.

What is SQLMap?

SQLMap is an automated SQL Injection exploitation tool that:

  • Detects SQL injection vulnerabilities
  • Identifies database types
  • Extracts database data
  • Dumps credentials and sensitive records

Instead of manually crafting payloads, SQLMap does the heavy lifting — but only if you understand how to guide it properly.

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Step-by-Step Exploitation Flow (Glimpse)

Step 1: Target the Vulnerable Parameter

SQLMap is pointed at a specific URL or request where user input interacts with SQL queries.

This is where parameter identification becomes critical — blindly running SQLMap on everything is noisy and unrealistic.

Step 2: Let SQLMap Detect Injection

SQLMap tests multiple techniques:

  • Boolean-based
  • Error-based
  • Time-based
  • UNION-based

At this stage, SQLMap confirms:

  • Whether the parameter is injectable
  • What technique works
  • How stable the injection is

This validation step is crucial before going deeper.

Step 3: Database Fingerprinting

Once injection is confirmed, SQLMap fingerprints:

  • Database type (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MSSQL, etc.)
  • Version information
  • Backend operating system (sometimes)

This helps attackers tailor exploitation intelligently instead of guessing.

Step 4: Enumerating Databases

After fingerprinting, SQLMap can enumerate:

  • Available databases
  • Tables inside databases
  • Columns inside tables

This is where SQL Injection turns from theoretical to dangerous.

Step 5: Dumping Sensitive Data

Finally, SQLMap can extract:

  • Usernames
  • Password hashes
  • Emails
  • Application secrets

In real engagements, this step demonstrates actual business impact, not just vulnerability existence.

Wrapping It Up

This article is just a small preview of the actual lab work. The full notes go much deeper into:

  • Request handling
  • Risk levels and techniques
  • Controlled exploitation
  • Real-world pentesting mindset

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Credits : Dilip Atchuth Kumar Pulamarasetty