> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://program.hackyourfuture.dk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://program.hackyourfuture.dk/course-content/backend/node/week2/session-materials/knex-security-snippets.md).

# 9. Knex security

This file supports the Week 2 segment on Knex security and SQL injection prevention.

## Example vulnerable endpoint (conceptual)

Consider a Snippets endpoint that allows sorting via a `sort` query parameter:

```js
snippetsRouter.get("/", async (req, res) => {
  let query = knexInstance.select("*").from("snippets");

  if ("sort" in req.query) {
    const orderBy = req.query.sort.toString();
    if (orderBy.length > 0) {
      query = query.orderByRaw(orderBy); // Vulnerable!
    }
  }

  console.log("SQL", query.toSQL().sql);

  try {
    const data = await query;
    res.json({ data });
  } catch (e) {
    console.error(e);
    res.status(500).json({ error: "Internal server error" });
  }
});
```

Here, user input is passed directly into `orderByRaw`, which can allow SQL injection (example: `(CASE WHEN (SELECT COUNT(*) FROM users WHERE email='admin@test.com') > 0 THEN email ELSE password END)`);

## Safer pattern with validation

Show how to validate and map the `sort` value instead:

* Only allow a **whitelist** of sortable columns (e.g. `created_at`, `title`).
* Only allow `ASC` or `DESC` as sort directions.
* Use the Query Builder’s `orderBy` instead of `orderByRaw` with unchecked strings.

The exact code can be written live during the session.


---

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