NoSQL databases like MongoDB, CouchDB, and Cassandra are widely used in modern applications, but they are not immune to injection attacks. NoSQL Injection (NoSQLi) allows attackers to manipulate queries, bypass authentication, and extract sensitive data.
You Should Know: NoSQL Injection Techniques & Defenses
1. Basic NoSQL Injection Payloads
NoSQLi often involves bypassing authentication using logical operators like $ne, $gt, or $regex.
MongoDB Injection Example
Instead of sending:
{"username": "admin", "password": "password123"}
An attacker may send:
{"username": "admin", "password": {"$ne": ""}}
This tricks the database into returning records where the password is not empty.
2. Bypassing Form-Data Restrictions
If a target only accepts form-data, use parameter arrays to inject operators:
POST /login HTTP/1.1 Content-Type: multipart/form-data username=admin&password[$ne]=
Some frameworks (like Express.js) auto-convert this into:
{"username": "admin", "password": {"$ne": ""}}
3. Blind NoSQL Injection
When errors are not visible, use time delays or boolean-based techniques:
{"username": "admin", "password": {"$regex": "^a"}}
If the response is delayed, the password likely starts with “a”.
4. Exploiting NoSQLi in Different Databases
- MongoDB: Use
$where,$exists,$type. - CouchDB: Manipulate `Mango queries` with JavaScript.
- Cassandra: Abuse CQL (Cassandra Query Language) with malicious input.
5. Mitigation Techniques
- Input Validation: Sanitize all user inputs.
- Use ORM/ODM: Libraries like Mongoose enforce schema validation.
- Least Privilege: Restrict database permissions.
- Disable Dangerous Operators: Block
$where, `$function` in production.
What Undercode Say
NoSQLi is a growing threat as more apps move away from traditional SQL databases. Attackers exploit weak input handling, so developers must:
– Use parameterized queries instead of string concatenation.
– Implement rate limiting to prevent brute-force attacks.
– Log and monitor suspicious database queries.
Expected Output:
POST /login HTTP/1.1
Content-Type: application/json
{"username": {"$ne": ""}, "password": {"$ne": ""}}
For deeper research, visit:
Prediction:
NoSQLi attacks will rise as more APIs adopt NoSQL backends, requiring stricter security controls in modern web frameworks.
References:
Reported By: Intigriti Quick – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
