LDAP injection targets directory services and may let attackers bypass login or access sensitive data.

What is LDAP injection?

LDAP injection is a type of cyberattack where an attacker inserts malicious input into a query directed at an LDAP server (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol). The goal is to bypass authentication, gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, or manipulate directory data. Similar in principle to SQL injection, LDAP injection specifically targets directory structures and identity systems.

How LDAP injection appears in practice?

Examples of common scenarios:

• Login form is bypassed using crafted input like *)(|(uid=*)) to gain access without a valid password.
• An attacker retrieves a full list of employees by exploiting a vulnerable search field.
• A web form fails to sanitize input, allowing manipulation of LDAP queries.
• An internal app loads user roles from a compromised LDAP query—an attacker gains admin privileges.
• A security flaw allows deletion or modification of LDAP directory entries.

Explanation:
All these examples share a common flaw—lack of proper input validation. By injecting malicious characters or logic, attackers alter the intended behavior of LDAP queries, granting themselves unauthorized access to sensitive data or administrative controls.

How is LDAP injection different from related terms?

• LDAP injection– Targets directory queries and identity systems.
• SQL injection– Targets traditional database queries.
• Command injection– Executes operating system commands via input manipulation.

Why it matters:
While these attack types are similar in technique (inserting unvalidated input), each threatens a different layer of infrastructure. LDAP injection is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments, as it targets systems that manage access and identity—core elements of security.

How does the LDAP injection in your company

Recommended security measures:

1. Validate all user inputs – never trust data from external sources.
2. Use secure libraries and APIs – separate user input from query logic.
3. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) – to filter suspicious queries.
4. Conduct regular security testing – including SAST tools and penetration testing.
5. Educate developers and IT staff – awareness is the first line of defense.
6. Enable monitoring and logging – to detect abnormal LDAP activity early.

Note:
Many companies focus on securing databases from SQL injection but overlook directory services. Yet these systems manage critical access controls and identity data. If compromised, the consequences can be severe. Preventing LDAP injection is not only more cost-effective than recovery—it’s vital for maintaining trust and integrity in access management.