Dynamic SQL in Microsoft SQL Server offers immense flexibility, allowing runtime query construction based on application logic or user input. However, this power carries significant risks if not handled correctly. Directly concatenating user input into an EXECUTE statement is a dangerous anti-pattern, primarily leading to SQL Injection vulnerabilities and SQL Plan Cache bloat. This article dissects these threats and presents sp_executesql as the secure and performant alternative, complemented by Microsoft Defender for SQL's detection capabilities.
The Anti-Pattern Unveiled: EXECUTE with String Variables
Dynamic SQL involves constructing and executing a SQL statement as a string. The simplest method is using the EXECUTE (or EXEC) command with...
Updated Jul 03, 2025
Version 2.0
AlexRosa
Microsoft
Microsoft