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A feature selection-based method for SQL injection detection using machine learning algorithms

delete2025-11-01
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PRE
AI
B
Bahman Arasteh *
S
Seyed Salar Sefati
M
Mohammad Bagher Karimi
İ
İbrahim Furkan İnce
DOI:10.1177/18724981251385295delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
SQL injection (SQLi) is a serious security threat that allows attackers to access and manipulate databases through malicious input. Machine learning algorithms have shown strong potential for detecting SQL injection (SQLi) attacks. However, their performance depends heavily on the quality and relevance of the features used in training. Feature selection plays a key role in identifying the most effective, minimal set of features from the SQLi dataset. In this study, a hybrid SQLi detection method is proposed that combines feature selection with machine learning algorithms. A real-world dataset containing 13 features was first developed. Then, a hybrid Horse Herd Optimizer was developed and applied to select the most influential features before model training. Several machine learning classifiers were trained using the optimal feature set. The proposed method achieved high predictive performance, with 99.49% accuracy, 99.62% sensitivity, and 99.00% F1-score. These results were obtained using only about 45% of the original features. The reduction in feature size also improved the model's efficiency and training speed. The findings show that combining intelligent feature selection with machine learning significantly enhances SQLi detection. This approach is effective, scalable, and suitable for real-world security applications.
Keywords:
Cybersecurity
SQL injection
optimal feature extraction
machine learning algorithms
horse herd algorithm

Journal

I
Intelligent Decision Technologies-Netherlands
IF:
0.8
Papers:
72
Citations:
0

Organization

K
kapadokya university
Scholars:
104
Papers: 108
Citations: 0
I
istinye university
Scholars:
297
Papers: 212
Citations: 0
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Cited Papers

Cited Papers

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Sql injection detection algorithm based on Bi-LSTM and integrated feature selection
err2025-03-12
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PREAI
errQin, Qiurong; Li, Yueqin; Mi, Yajie; Shen, Jinhui; Wu, Kexin; Wang, Zhenzhao
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ModSec-AdvLearn: Countering Adversarial SQL Injections With Robust Machine Learning
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PREAI
errGiuseppe Floris; Christian Scano; Biagio Montaruli; Luca Demetrio; Andrea Valenza; Luca Compagna; Davide Ariu; Luca Piras; Davide Balzarotti; Battista Biggio
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