SQL injection is a security vulnerability occurring when SQL commands are included in user input unintentionally executed by a database server, potentially allowing unauthorized access or manipulation of data. The document outlines various SQL injection techniques such as union based, error based, boolean based blind, and time based blind injections, demonstrating how attackers can exploit weak systems. It also discusses the use of tools like sqlmap to analyze vulnerabilities and provides insights into protective measures such as the disabling of magic quotes to prevent user input attacks.