What does "SQL injection" refer to?

SQL injection refers to a type of attack that exploits vulnerabilities in an application's software by injecting malicious SQL code into input fields. This technique allows attackers to manipulate the database in unauthorized ways, such as circumventing authentication mechanisms, retrieving sensitive data, or modifying data without permission. By entering specially crafted SQL statements into input fields, an attacker can trick the database into executing commands that it should not execute under normal operation, thereby gaining unauthorized access to data or even taking control of the database system.

Understanding SQL injection is crucial for developers and security professionals, as it underscores the importance of validating and sanitizing user inputs. This knowledge helps in implementing defensive measures against such attacks, which can have severe consequences, such as data breaches, data corruption, or complete system compromises.