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, or a sequence of commands that takes advantage of a software bug or 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

• Computer program
• Computer programming
• Computer security
• Software defect
• Improper input validation
• Vulnerability (computer science)

External links

• Exploit (computer security) @ Wikipedia