View source for Exploit (computer security)

An '''exploit''' (from the English verb ''to exploit'', meaning "using something to one’s own advantage") is a piece of [[software]], a chunk of [[Data (computing)|data]], or a [[sequence of commands]] that takes advantage of a [[software bug]] or [[Vulnerability (computer science)|vulnerability]] in order to cause unintended or unanticipated behavior to occur on computer software, hardware, or something electronic (usually computerized).

== Examples ==

Such behavior frequently includes things like gaining control of a computer system, allowing [[privilege escalation]], or a [[denial-of-service attack]].

== See also ==

* [[Credential]]
* [[Computer program]]
* [[Computer programming]]
* [[Computer security]]
* [[Password]]
* [[Software defect]]
* [[Improper input validation]]
* [[Vulnerability (computer science)]]

== External links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploit_(computer_security) Exploit (computer security)] @ Wikipedia