Finding and Fixing SQL Injection Vulnerabilities in Flask (Python) with StackHawk

In the current digital landscape, safeguarding web applications and APIs from cyber threats is paramount, with SQL Injection being one of the most significant risks. This blog explores how to identify and mitigate SQL Injection vulnerabilities using a hands-on approach by creating a simple API with Flask and leveraging StackHawk, a developer-first dynamic application security testing (DAST) tool. StackHawk integrates seamlessly into the software development lifecycle, enabling automated security testing, detailed vulnerability insights, and testing across various environments. The blog demonstrates the vulnerability in a Flask API and how to address it using parameterized queries, highlighting the importance of treating user inputs as data to prevent SQL injection. StackHawk's HawkScan tool is used to detect vulnerabilities, and after implementing the fix, a rescan confirms the resolution of the issue. This approach empowers developers to proactively manage application security, emphasizing the importance of incorporating security practices into development workflows.