Which of the following techniques would the penetration tester most likely use to access the sensitive data?

As part of a security audit, a penetration tester finds an internal application that accepts unexpected user inputs, leading to the execution of arbitrary commands.

Which of the following techniques would the penetration tester most likely use to access the sensitive data?
A . Logic bomb
B . SQL injection
C . Brute-force attack
D . Cross-site scripting

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

SQL injection (SQLi) is a technique that allows attackers to manipulate SQL queries to execute arbitrary commands on a database. It is one of the most common and effective methods for accessing sensitive data in internal applications that accept unexpected user inputs.

Here’s why option B is the most likely technique:

Arbitrary Command Execution: The question specifies that the internal application accepts unexpected user inputs leading to arbitrary command execution. SQL injection fits this description as it exploits vulnerabilities in the application’s input handling to execute unintended SQL commands on the database.

Data Access: SQL injection can be used to extract sensitive data from the database, modify or delete records, and perform administrative operations on the database server. This makes it a powerful technique for accessing sensitive information.

Common Vulnerability: SQL injection is a well-known and frequently exploited vulnerability in web

applications, making it a likely technique that a penetration tester would use to exploit input

handling issues in an internal application.

Reference from Pentest:

Luke HTB: This write-up demonstrates how SQL injection was used to exploit an internal application and access sensitive data. It highlights the process of identifying and leveraging SQL injection vulnerabilities to achieve data extraction​.

Writeup HTB: Describes how SQL injection was utilized to gain access to user credentials and further

exploit the application. This example aligns with the scenario of using SQL injection to execute arbitrary commands and access sensitive data.

Conclusion:

Given the nature of the vulnerability described (accepting unexpected user inputs leading to arbitrary command execution), SQL injection is the most appropriate and likely technique that the

penetration tester would use to access sensitive data. This method directly targets the input handling mechanism to manipulate SQL queries, making it the best choice.