What is typically the result of poor input validation in a web application?

Poor input validation in a web application is a significant security concern, and one of the most notable outcomes is the introduction of SQL Injection vulnerabilities. When input validation is insufficient, attackers can manipulate input fields to execute malicious SQL queries against the database. For instance, by entering specially crafted input, an attacker could gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify records, or even delete information from the database.

Proper input validation should ensure that data is sanitized and meets specific criteria before processing it. This prevents potentially harmful data from being executed or processed by the application, thereby safeguarding against SQL injection attacks and enhancing the overall security posture of the application. Recognizing the critical importance of input validation can help developers implement stronger security measures, ultimately reducing the risk associated with these types of vulnerabilities.