executing sql cmd from asp.net without getting traced anywhere

Question

Hi, I have some sql commands to be executed from an ASP.NET application and I don't want those SQL queries to be traced by SQL Server Profiler. Can some one please suggest a method to do this?

Tahir Ansari · Answer

1. Parameterized Queries: Utilize parameterized queries or prepared statements in your ASP.NET application. Parameterized queries bind input values as parameters rather than directly including them in the SQL string. Profiler typically captures SQL queries with their parameter values, so by using parameterized queries, you can obscure the actual values. Example SqlCommand cmd = new SqlCommand("SELECT * FROM MyTable WHERE Column1 = @Value", connection); cmd.Parameters.AddWithValue("@Value", userInputValue); 2. Stored Procedures: Use stored procedures for database operations. Profiler captures the execution of stored procedures but doesn't show the underlying SQL queries, making it harder to trace. 3. Dynamic SQL and Obfuscation: If you must use dynamic SQL, consider obfuscating the SQL query by encrypting it or breaking it into multiple parts. However, this can make your code more complex and harder to maintain. 4. Application-Level Security: Implement security measures at the application level to control who can access sensitive data and execute specific queries. Use authentication and authorization mechanisms to restrict access to the SQL queries. 5. SQL Server Permissions: Ensure that the SQL Server user account used by your application has only the necessary permissions to execute the required queries and not more. This reduces the risk associated with SQL tracing. 6. Filter Profiler Trace: If you have access to SQL Server Profiler, configure the trace to exclude specific queries based on filters. You can create filters based on various criteria such as database name, application name, and specific text in the SQL query. This method allows you to selectively exclude queries from being traced. 7. Use Extended Events: Consider using Extended Events in SQL Server instead of Profiler. Extended Events provide more granular control over what you capture and can help you avoid capturing sensitive queries. 8. Audit Policies: Implement SQL Server Audit to track and log access to specific tables or objects. This allows you to have a more controlled and auditable approach to monitoring database activity.