-5025 Order By 1# -

SELECT name, email FROM users WHERE id = "-5025" ORDER BY 1#";

The ORDER BY clause tells the database to sort results by a specific column. -5025 ORDER BY 1#

This is the gold standard. It treats user input strictly as data, never as executable code. SELECT name, email FROM users WHERE id =

This is the terminator . It attempts to break out of the developer's intended string literal. If the application does not sanitize input, the database engine will see this quote and assume the original command has ended, allowing the attacker to append their own logic. This is the terminator

Successful use of this payload is the first step in a larger attack. Once the number of columns is known, an attacker can use a UNION SELECT statement to: Extract usernames and passwords. Bypass authentication screens. Gain administrative access to the server.

The database ignores the final quote and semicolon, executes the sort, and confirms to the attacker that the query is valid and contains at least one column. 4. Impact