An exploit is a set of commands, data, or software that exploits a vulnerability for malicious activity. Simply put, this is malicious code that is used to attack computer security.
Nearly all publicly identified exploits are posted on the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database.
Exploits can compromise the confidentiality or availability of a system. For this reason, it is important to understand what an exploit is and what it is exploited so we must figure out how to reduce the associated risks.
Exploit Type
Exploits are broadly classified into these five categories.
- Hardware exploits that take advantage of firmware flaws, configuration management issues, and poor encryption methods.
- Exploit software (software) that abuses programming errors or other flaws, including using similar names.
- Network exploits based on weaknesses ranging from bad passwords to unencrypted communication lines.
- Personnel exploit that includes all manual errors, social engineering attacks, and the like.
- Physical exploits related to access control and physical security.
Apart from the five exploit classifications, it turns out that exploits are also divided into two groups - known exploits and zero day exploits - that are divided according to the stage of their life cycle.
- Known exploits are exploits that have been documented, meaning that the security researcher is aware or the party being attacked is aware of it.
- Zero-day exploits are exploits that have not been reported to the public. It is possible that the developer was not aware that there was an exploit in this case.
Exploit Kit
An exploit kit is a set of programs used by attackers to carry out attacks against known vulnerabilities in software.
The Exploit Kit can also be used to deploy 'Malware strains' on compromised machines/systems. Some examples of well-known Exploit Kits such as EternalBlue, RIG, Neutrino, and Magnitude.
Exploit Kits used by bad actors often serve as multipurpose tools for sending and executing different types of payloads.
No matter how careful you are, exploits always show up. One way to reduce the risk from exploits is to continuously monitor vulnerabilities and keep updated 'patches' released by vendors.
Vendors or third parties who create important links / links using software in organizational dynamics and processes often have certain vulnerabilities. This in turn can impact your organization directly.
It is very important that we develop a plan that focuses on preventing exploits as well as dealing with existing Issues.
