What is a vulnerability?

A vulnerability is a weakness in a version of software that could be exploited to gain access to a system. In most cases this is software which has not yet been updated to the latest version by the system administrator.

Vulnerabilities can arise from various sources, including coding errors, design flaws, inadequate security controls, or the lack of proper updates and patches.

When an attacker exploits a vulnerability, they can perform unauthorised actions, such as accessing sensitive data, injecting malicious code, disrupting service operations, or taking control of the system. The severity of a vulnerability is often determined by its potential impact and the ease with which an attacker can exploit it.