This paper discusses abusing Microsoft SQL Query wildcards to consume CPU in database servers using only the search field present in most common web applications. It can be downloaded from http://www.portcullis-security.com/uplds/wildcard_attacks.pdf Majority of the Microsoft SQL Server based web applications are vulnerable to this attack. Other databases could be vulnerable depending on how the applications implement search functionalities although common implementation of the search functionality in SQL Server back-end applications is vulnerable. There are real world scenarios and detailed analysis in the paper which explains and shows the impact of this attack. Regards, -- Ferruh Mavituna
