What does an SQL injection attack typically target?

An SQL injection attack typically targets database systems through web servers. This technique exploits vulnerabilities in an application's software, particularly those that interact with databases.

When a web application does not properly validate or sanitize the input provided to SQL queries, an attacker can inject malicious SQL code into the input fields. This code can manipulate the database in unauthorized ways, such as retrieving, deleting, or altering data. Since the attack leverages the web application's communication with the database, web servers often serve as the entry point for these attacks, making database systems particularly vulnerable when they are not secured properly.

Understanding this context is essential for web application developers and security professionals, as it highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation and preparation techniques, like using parameterized queries, to safeguard against such vulnerabilities.