Effective SQL Injection Detection: A Fusion of Binary Olympiad Optimizer and Classification Algorithm

Since SQL injection allows attackers to interact with the database of applications, it is regarded as a significant security problem. By applying machine learning algorithms, SQL injection attacks can be identified. Problem: In the training stage of machine learning methods, effective features are used to develop an optimal classifier that is highly accurate. The specification of the features with the highest efficacy is considered to be an NP-complete combinatorial optimization challenge. Selecting the most effective features refers to the procedure of identifying the smallest and most effective features in the dataset. The rationale behind this paper is to optimize the accuracy, precision, and sensitivity parameters of the SQL injection attack detection method. Method: In this paper, a method for identifying SQL injection attacks was suggested. In the first step, a particular training dataset that included 13 features was developed. In the second step, to specify the best features of the dataset, a specific binary variety of the Olympiad optimization algorithm was developed. Various machine learning algorithms were used to create the optimal attack detector. Results: Based on the experiments carried out, the suggested SQL injection detector using an artificial neural network and the feature selector can achieve 99.35% accuracy, 100% precision, and 100% sensitivity. Owing to selecting about 30% of the effective features, the proposed method enhanced the efficacy of SQL injection detectors.