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Method of attack on computer systems
An exploit is a method or piece of code that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in software, applications, networks, operating systems, or hardware, typically for malicious purposes. The term "exploit" derives from the English verb "to exploit," meaning "to use something to one’s own advantage." Exploits are designed to identify flaws, bypass security measures, gain unauthorized access to systems, take control of systems, install malware, or steal sensitive data. While an exploit by itself may not be a malware, it serves as a vehicle for delivering malicious software by breaching security controls.[1][2][3][4]
Researchers estimate that malicious exploits cost the global economy over US$450 billion annually. In response to this threat, organizations are increasingly utilizing cyber threat intelligence to identify vulnerabilities and prevent hacks before they occur.[5]
Exploits target vulnerabilities, which are essentially flaws or weaknesses in a system's defenses. Common targets for exploits include operating systems, web browsers, and various applications, where hidden vulnerabilities can compromise the integrity and security of computer systems. Exploits can cause unintended or unanticipated behavior in systems, potentially leading to severe security breaches.[6][7]
Many exploits are designed to provide superuser-level access to a computer system. Attackers may use multiple exploits in succession to first gain low-level access and then escalate privileges repeatedly until they reach the highest administrative level, often referred to as "root." This technique of chaining several exploits together to perform a single attack is known as an exploit chain.
Exploits that remain unknown to everyone except the individuals who discovered and developed them are referred to as zero-day or "0day" exploits. After an exploit is disclosed to the authors of the affected software, the associated vulnerability is often fixed through a patch, rendering the exploit unusable. This is why some black hat hackers, as well as military or intelligence agency hackers, do not publish their exploits but keep them private. One scheme that offers zero-day exploits is known as exploit as a service.[8]
There are several methods of classifying exploits. The most common is by how the exploit communicates to the vulnerable software.
By Method of Communication:[9]
By Targeted Component:[9]
The classification of exploits based[10][11] on the type of vulnerability they exploit and the result of running the exploit (e.g., Elevation of Privilege (EoP), Denial of Service (DoS), spoofing) is a common practice in cybersecurity. This approach helps in systematically identifying and addressing security threats. For instance, the STRIDE threat model categorizes threats into six types, including Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, and Elevation of Privilege.[12] Similarly, the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) categorizes vulnerabilities by types such as Authentication Bypass by Spoofing and Authorization Bypass.[13]
By Type of Vulnerability:
Another classification is by the action against the vulnerable system; unauthorized data access, arbitrary code execution, and denial of service are examples.
Exploitation Techniques[edit]Attackers employ various techniques to exploit vulnerabilities and achieve their objectives. Some common methods include:[9]
A zero-click attack is an exploit that requires no user interaction to operate – that is to say, no key-presses or mouse clicks.[14] These exploits are commonly the most sought after exploits (specifically on the underground exploit market) because the target typically has no way of knowing they have been compromised at the time of exploitation.
FORCEDENTRY, discovered in 2021, is an example of a zero-click attack.[15][16]
In 2022, NSO Group was reportedly selling zero-click exploits to governments for breaking into individuals' phones.[17]
For mobile devices, the National Security Agency (NSA) points out that timely updating of software and applications, avoiding public network connections, and turning the device Off and On at least once a week can mitigate the threat of zero-click attacks.[18][19][20] Experts say that protection practices for traditional endpoints are also applicable to mobile devices. Many exploits exist only in memory, not in files. Theoretically, restarting the device can wipe malware payloads from memory, forcing attackers back to the beginning of the exploit chain.[21][22]
Pivoting is a technique employed by both hackers and penetration testers to expand their access within a target network. By compromising a system, attackers can leverage it as a platform to target other systems that are typically shielded from direct external access by firewalls. Internal networks often contain a broader range of accessible machines compared to those exposed to the internet. For example, an attacker might compromise a web server on a corporate network and then utilize it to target other systems within the same network. This approach is often referred to as a multi-layered attack. Pivoting is also known as island hopping.
Pivoting can further be distinguished into proxy pivoting and VPN pivoting:
Typically, the proxy or VPN applications enabling pivoting are executed on the target computer as the payload of an exploit.
Pivoting is usually done by infiltrating a part of a network infrastructure (as an example, a vulnerable printer or thermostat) and using a scanner to find other devices connected to attack them. By attacking a vulnerable piece of networking, an attacker could infect most or all of a network and gain complete control.
An exploit is any attack that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in applications, networks, operating systems, or hardware. Exploits usually take the form of software or code that aims to take control of computers or steal network data.
An exploit is a program, or piece of code, designed to find and take advantage of a security flaw or vulnerability in an application or computer system, typically for malicious purposes such as installing malware. An exploit is not malware itself, but rather it is a method used by cybercriminals to deliver malware.
A technique to breach the security of a network or information system in violation of security policy.
To take advantage of a vulnerability. Typically this is an intentional action designed to compromise the software's security controls by leveraging a vulnerability.
A computer exploit is a type of malware that takes advantage of bugs or vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals use to gain illicit access to a system. These vulnerabilities are hidden in the code of the operating system and its applications just waiting to be discovered and put to use by cybercriminals. Commonly exploited software includes the operating system itself, browsers, Microsoft Office, and third-party applications.
Adversaries may buy, steal, or download exploits that can be used during targeting. An exploit takes advantage of a bug or vulnerability in order to cause unintended or unanticipated behavior to occur on computer hardware or software.
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