CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

LDAP Injection is an attack that utilizes what type of input?

1. SQL statements

2. User input statements

3. API requests

4. URL parameters

The correct answer is: User input statements

LDAP Injection is an attack that specifically exploits vulnerabilities in how a system processes input provided by users, particularly in the context of LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) queries. The core mechanism of this attack revolves around the manipulation of user input to alter LDAP queries, which can lead to unauthorized access to data or even full control over the LDAP directory. Understanding that LDAP is used for directory services, an attacker might input specially crafted strings in forms or other interfaces that take user input, intending to manipulate the query being processed by the LDAP server. This input can lead to unexpected behavior, like revealing sensitive information or bypassing authentication controls. In contrast, other types of input mentioned, such as SQL statements, are more relevant to SQL Injection attacks, while API requests and URL parameters can be associated with other forms of injection attacks. However, they do not directly pertain to the specific mechanics of LDAP Injection. By focusing on user input, one can recognize the vulnerability inherent in systems handling LDAP queries incorrectly and the significance of input validation and sanitization measures designed to prevent such attacks.