What is the primary purpose of SQL Injection attacks?

The primary purpose of SQL Injection attacks is to manipulate a database through the application's interaction with SQL queries. In such attacks, the attacker exploits vulnerabilities in an application’s software by injecting malicious SQL code into input fields. This allows them to gain unauthorized access to the database, where they can retrieve, modify, or delete sensitive data.

While gaining access to a web server is often part of a broader strategy in the attack lifecycle, SQL Injection specifically focuses on compromising the database that the web application interfaces with. This access can lead to a range of harmful outcomes, such as stealing personal data, which aligns closely with data breaches involving credentials and other sensitive information. However, the key objective of SQL Injection itself is primarily about accessing and manipulating the database rather than the server or installing malware.

Additionally, flooding a server with traffic is associated with Denial of Service attacks, and installing malware would typically require different vectors of exploitation beyond SQL Injection. Thus, while various forms of attacks exist, the main intent of SQL Injection is centered around database access and control rather than those other priorities.