Exploit (computer security)

An exploit is a method or piece of code that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in software, applications, networks, operating systems, or hardware, typically for malicious purposes. The term "exploit" derives from the English verb "to exploit," meaning "to use something to one’s own advantage." Exploits are designed to identify flaws, bypass security measures, gain unauthorized access to systems, take control of systems, install malware, or steal sensitive data. While an exploit by itself may not be a malware, it serves as a vehicle for delivering malicious software by breaching security controls.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]

Researchers estimate that malicious exploits cost the global economy over US$450 billion annually. In response to this threat, organizations are increasingly utilizing cyber threat intelligence to identify vulnerabilities and prevent hacks before they occur.^[5]

^ Latto, Nica (2020-09-29). "Exploits: What You Need to Know". Exploits: What You Need to Know. Archived from the original on 2024-05-15. Retrieved 2024-08-12. An exploit is any attack that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in applications, networks, operating systems, or hardware. Exploits usually take the form of software or code that aims to take control of computers or steal network data.
^ "What Is an Exploit?". Cisco. 2023-10-06. Archived from the original on 2024-05-31. Retrieved 2024-08-12. An exploit is a program, or piece of code, designed to find and take advantage of a security flaw or vulnerability in an application or computer system, typically for malicious purposes such as installing malware. An exploit is not malware itself, but rather it is a method used by cybercriminals to deliver malware.
^ Gonzalez, Joaquin Jay III; Kemp, Roger L. (2019-01-25). Cybersecurity: Current Writings on Threats and Protection. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company. p. 241. ISBN 978-1-4766-3541-5. A technique to breach the security of a network or information system in violation of security policy.
^ "OWASP Secure Coding Practices". OWASP Foundation. Archived from the original on 2024-01-06. Retrieved 2024-08-12. To take advantage of a vulnerability. Typically this is an intentional action designed to compromise the software's security controls by leveraging a vulnerability.
^ Indiana University, Bloomington; Samtani, Sagar; Chai, Yidong; Hefei University of Technology; Chen, Hsinchun; University of Arizona (2022-05-24). "Linking Exploits from the Dark Web to Known Vulnerabilities for Proactive Cyber Threat Intelligence: An Attention-Based Deep Structured Semantic Model". MIS Quarterly. 46 (2): 911–946. doi:10.25300/MISQ/2022/15392.

[avast-202-09-29-1] Latto, Nica (2020-09-29). "Exploits: What You Need to Know". Exploits: What You Need to Know. Archived from the original on 2024-05-15. Retrieved 2024-08-12. An exploit is any attack that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in applications, networks, operating systems, or hardware. Exploits usually take the form of software or code that aims to take control of computers or steal network data.

[Cisco-2023-10-06-2] "What Is an Exploit?". Cisco. 2023-10-06. Archived from the original on 2024-05-31. Retrieved 2024-08-12. An exploit is a program, or piece of code, designed to find and take advantage of a security flaw or vulnerability in an application or computer system, typically for malicious purposes such as installing malware. An exploit is not malware itself, but rather it is a method used by cybercriminals to deliver malware.

[Cybersecurity-2019-3] Gonzalez, Joaquin Jay III; Kemp, Roger L. (2019-01-25). Cybersecurity: Current Writings on Threats and Protection. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company. p. 241. ISBN 978-1-4766-3541-5. A technique to breach the security of a network or information system in violation of security policy.

[OWASP-4] "OWASP Secure Coding Practices". OWASP Foundation. Archived from the original on 2024-01-06. Retrieved 2024-08-12. To take advantage of a vulnerability. Typically this is an intentional action designed to compromise the software's security controls by leveraging a vulnerability.

[5] Indiana University, Bloomington; Samtani, Sagar; Chai, Yidong; Hefei University of Technology; Chen, Hsinchun; University of Arizona (2022-05-24). "Linking Exploits from the Dark Web to Known Vulnerabilities for Proactive Cyber Threat Intelligence: An Attention-Based Deep Structured Semantic Model". MIS Quarterly. 46 (2): 911–946. doi:10.25300/MISQ/2022/15392.

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