Fundamentals of InfoSecadvanced
A database-backed application uses a prepared statement but gives its database account broad privileges and displays detailed errors. Identify two remaining risks and suitable controls.
Answer
Broad privileges can increase the damage caused if the application is compromised, so grant only permissions needed for its tasks. Detailed errors can disclose database structure, so configure user-facing error reporting to avoid exposing table and field details.
Explanation
### What a good answer covers
- Broad database privileges increase the actions available to an attacker using a compromised application.
- The application should receive only permissions needed for its functions.
- Detailed error messages can reveal table names, field names, or other useful internal information.
- User-facing error reporting should be configured to avoid that disclosure.
### The concept
A prepared statement addresses SQL injection by separating command structure from parameter values, but it does not solve every application-security problem. Permission limits reduce potential impact, and careful error handling reduces information exposed during failures. Security controls address different risks and should be layered.
### Terms
- **Privilege**: Permission to access or change a resource.
- **Information disclosure**: Revealing details to someone who should not receive them.
- **Prepared statement**: A database command separated from its parameter values.
### Remember
A prepared statement prevents one class of attack; least-needed permissions and safe errors address other risks.
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