If the user visits index.php?id=5 , the database sees: SELECT * FROM products WHERE id = 5 . Perfect.
Except whoever—or whatever—was on the other side of index.php?id=8 . inurl indexphpid
Here is why this specific search string is a favorite among threat actors: If the user visits index
: For decades, this string has been the premier training ground for learning SQL Injection (SQLi) . If the user visits index.php?id=5
: This operator makes it incredibly easy for script kiddies to find low-hanging fruit. Automated scanners use it to compile mass target lists for database dumping.
Navigate to Google and enter: inurl:index.php?id=