The eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) certification is an excellent entry point into the world of penetration testing. Let me share my experience and some key techniques I learned, particularly focusing on SQL injection.
SQL Injection Deep Dive
One of the most critical skills covered in the eJPT is SQL injection, particularly UNION-based attacks. Here’s what I learned:
Understanding UNION-Based Attacks
The basic syntax for testing UNION-based SQL injections is:
' UNION SELECT NULL,NULL,NULL--
This technique works by:
- Finding the correct number of columns (add NULLs until you get a 200 OK response)
- Identifying which columns accept text data
- Extracting data from the database
How SQL Injection Works
SQL injection exploits vulnerable applications by injecting malicious SQL code through user input. A typical vulnerable query might look like:
SELECT * FROM products WHERE product_name = '$userInput'
An attacker could inject:
' UNION SELECT username, password FROM users --
Prevention Techniques
Key security measures include:
- Input validation
- Prepared statements
- Least privilege access
- Proper error handling
Other Key Learning Areas
-
Network Fundamentals
- TCP/IP
- Routing
- Protocol Analysis
-
Web Application Security
- XSS Prevention
- CSRF Protection
- Security Headers
-
System Security
- Windows/Linux Security
- Privilege Escalation
- Service Enumeration
Exam Experience
The exam is hands-on and practical, covering:
- Network scanning
- Vulnerability assessment
- Exploitation techniques
- Report writing
Tips for Success
- Practice SQL injection in safe environments
- Master enumeration techniques
- Document your methodology
- Focus on understanding error messages
- Build a solid foundation in networking
The eJPT provides an excellent foundation in penetration testing, especially in areas like SQL injection, which is crucial for web application security.