Because 4477=4477 is always true, the database treats the entire condition as valid. If the application returns the same result for this query as it does for a normal search of just {KEYWORD} , the attacker knows the application is . They can then replace 4477=4477 with more dangerous commands to steal passwords, delete data, or bypass login screens. Why This Matters
: This is a "tautology"—a statement that is always true. How the Attack Works {KEYWORD} AND 4477=4477
The phrase "{KEYWORD} AND 4477=4477" is a classic example of a . It is used by security researchers and malicious actors to test if a website's database is vulnerable to unauthorized queries. What the Code Does Because 4477=4477 is always true, the database treats
SELECT * FROM products WHERE category = '{KEYWORD} AND 4477=4477'; Why This Matters : This is a "tautology"—a
: If a site responds to this string, it means it is not "sanitizing" user input, leaving it open to a full-scale data breach.
: Developers prevent this by using parameterized queries (prepared statements), which ensure that the database treats the entire string as literal text rather than executable code.