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Security Operations · Foundational

Exploit

Code or a technique that takes advantage of a vulnerability to cause unintended behavior, such as code execution.

Definition

Exploits range from proof-of-concept code to weaponized modules in frameworks like Metasploit. Public exploit availability greatly increases the likelihood a vulnerability will be attacked, which is why CVSS threat metrics, EPSS and KEV consider exploitation.

Example

A Metasploit module that exploits MS17-010 to gain SYSTEM on unpatched Windows hosts.

Exam tip

The existence of a public exploit should raise remediation priority.

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