Exploit

Definition:

An exploit is a piece of code or a technique used by attackers to take advantage of a vulnerability in software or hardware, allowing them to execute unauthorized actions on a system.

Use Cases:

• Used by attackers to gain control of systems, steal data, or escalate privileges.
• Employed in penetration testing to assess the security of a system by exploiting known vulnerabilities.
  
  

Related Terms:

• Vulnerability
• Zero-Day Exploit
• Malware
• Penetration Testing
  
  

Questions and Answers:

• What is the difference between a vulnerability and an exploit?
  A vulnerability is a weakness in a system, while an exploit is the actual method or code used to take advantage of that weakness.
  
  
• How do attackers use exploits?
  Attackers use exploits to execute malicious code, steal data, or gain control of a system by taking advantage of unpatched vulnerabilities.
  
  
• How can organizations protect against exploits?
  Organizations can protect against exploits by regularly patching vulnerabilities, conducting security assessments, and using exploit mitigation technologies.