Vulnerabilities are software flaws that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. These vulnerabilities are often the root cause of security breaches and can have severe consequences for businesses.
Mistakes happen when designing and coding technology. Some of these mistakes are innocuous, but attackers can seize others to compromise computers and devices.
What is a Vulnerability?
A vulnerability is a flaw in software or design that allows hackers to gain unauthorized access to systems and data. When a vulnerability is exploited, it becomes a threat that poses a risk to all stakeholders, including application users and the company.
Unlike bugs, which can be detected by scanning and reporting tools, vulnerabilities are much more elusive. They may only expose themselves or change the system’s state once someone deliberately triggers them through an exploit or a malicious attack script.
Vulnerabilities can be found in hardware, software, or operating systems, and they can lead to a wide range of threats that cybercriminals use to steal data, disrupt business operations, and damage reputations. They are generally tracked and reported using vulnerability management solutions.
What is an Exploit?
When exploited, a vulnerability can deliver malware into a computer system and cause unauthorized access. These attacks can expose personal information and cause monetary or reputational damage. Cybercriminals discover and use exploits to steal confidential information or gain a foothold in your computer systems, network, or other hardware, such as washing machines or programmable thermostats. Examples of exploits include memory security infringements, input approval blunders (code infusion, UI mistakes, and index crossing), advantage disarray bugs, timing assaults, race conditions, side-channel attacks, or a combination of these vulnerabilities.
It is important to remember that there is no such thing as software without holes cybercriminals can exploit. Think of it as an expensive bike or laptop cylinder lock that people thought kept their valuables secure until someone posted a video online showing how to pick the lock with a pen. Exploits exploit these open windows and slide their malware in through the door.
What is a Weakness?
The ability to be exploited in a cyberattack. A vulnerability can give attackers unauthorized access to the system and run code, install different types of malware, steal sensitive information, and more.
For example, it would be best not to answer “effective communication” as your weakness if you’re applying for a job. However, if you need help with attention to detail or teamwork, you could share how you’re working to overcome this issue and show the hiring manager you can positively impact the company.
The CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) program pinpoints specific vulnerabilities by offering unique identifiers and helps security professionals track and manage them.
What is a Defect?
A software defect occurs when the actual result deviates from the expected one. A mistake can cause a technology to behave in ways that hackers could exploit. Mistakes happen even when building and coding technology, so there will always be defects.
When a vulnerability is identified, it’s reported to a CVE numbering authority (CNA). The analysis begins when the NVD analyst reviews reference material provided with the CVE and performs manual internet searches for further information. Once the vulnerability has been analyzed, it’s assigned a reference tag and Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category. It’s also assigned a Common Product Enumerator (CPE) applicability statement, which helps users identify the products and versions affected.
Once a flaw has been assessed and published, it can be used in security tools and other applications. It can only be included in the NVD once it has been acknowledged by the affected vendor and documented that the flaw negatively impacts security.