The database ignores the final quote and semicolon, executes the sort, and confirms to the attacker that the query is valid and contains at least one column. 4. Impact

SELECT name, email FROM users WHERE id = "-5025" ORDER BY 1#";

This is often a "false" or "null" value. By inputting a value that likely doesn't exist (like a negative ID), the attacker forces the application to return an empty result set or an error. This makes it easier to see how the database reacts when the injected code is added. ORDER BY 1 : This is the structural probe .

Use allow-lists to ensure inputs match expected formats (e.g., ensuring an ID is always a positive integer).

The ORDER BY clause tells the database to sort results by a specific column.