Exploits are a subtype of malware. The term is related to the English verb "to exploit", meaning "to exploit, to use in one's own interests." However, an exploit is not necessarily a separate application (executable file): it can take the form of a small piece of malicious code or a set of commands executed in a specific order. By exploiting a vulnerability in any system or application program, the exploit performs an unauthorized action on the victim's device. Typically, it allows you to elevate privileges on the target system or execute arbitrary code.
The objectives of the exploit are varied: downloading and installing malware, increasing access rights, stopping the system, disclosing confidential data. It should be noted that the exploits themselves do not directly carry out destructive actions: their task is to exploit the vulnerability in order to ensure the execution of the code embedded in them. All subsequent operations are performed by the malicious load, and its content determines what goal the attacker will achieve.
Exploit classification
Exploits can be applied to any element of a computer system. The target of an attack can be operating system modules, application programs, and even hardware components. For a successful attack, it is necessary to force the victim to follow the link, download and open the file so that the exploit can exploit the required vulnerability.
Since exploits are designed to perform different actions on an infected system, they can be classified by their target:
Exploits enter the user's computer in different ways. In particular, direct intrusion into the system can occur. If there is no network access to the attacked system, then an email or a message via a messenger is sent with a link to the malicious code.
Object of influence
Exploits, being a subtype of malware, are used to influence computer devices of different users. These can be cars of commercial companies, government agencies, and various organizations. Also, with the help of exploits, cybercriminals penetrate into the computer systems of ordinary users to steal personal information, especially related to finance.
Source of threat
Exploits are created by highly qualified cybercriminals who sell them on the black market to other cybercriminals. As elements of cyber weapons, they are developed and used by special services.
Exploits can also be the result of the work of information security experts who want to show how a vulnerability they discover can be exploited. In this case, software vendors are notified of vulnerabilities prior to publishing the exploit in the public domain.
Finally, exploits are sometimes developed by students and novice programmers to improve their skills.
Risk analysis
Despite the efforts of specialists, vulnerabilities are present in almost all programs, which means that there is always a loophole for attackers to prepare an exploit. By the time the developers release a patch (a small program to fix vulnerable files), the malware can do huge damage. All users are at risk, including the most careful and attentive.
The consequences of using an exploit can be very different. It depends on the task that was set for the malicious programs: from disruption of the system to the loss of large sums of money, classified information.
You can protect your device from exploits by using antivirus software from well-known companies that are constantly improving their products. Regular updates of the operating system and application programs, refusal to click on suspicious links, ignoring spam messages, and careful attention to financial transactions will reduce the risk of infection.
The objectives of the exploit are varied: downloading and installing malware, increasing access rights, stopping the system, disclosing confidential data. It should be noted that the exploits themselves do not directly carry out destructive actions: their task is to exploit the vulnerability in order to ensure the execution of the code embedded in them. All subsequent operations are performed by the malicious load, and its content determines what goal the attacker will achieve.
Exploit classification
Exploits can be applied to any element of a computer system. The target of an attack can be operating system modules, application programs, and even hardware components. For a successful attack, it is necessary to force the victim to follow the link, download and open the file so that the exploit can exploit the required vulnerability.
Since exploits are designed to perform different actions on an infected system, they can be classified by their target:
- for browsers and add-ons to them; for operating systems;
- for office programs, players and other application software;
- for server software;
- for web services such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal;
- for hardware components.
Exploits enter the user's computer in different ways. In particular, direct intrusion into the system can occur. If there is no network access to the attacked system, then an email or a message via a messenger is sent with a link to the malicious code.
Object of influence
Exploits, being a subtype of malware, are used to influence computer devices of different users. These can be cars of commercial companies, government agencies, and various organizations. Also, with the help of exploits, cybercriminals penetrate into the computer systems of ordinary users to steal personal information, especially related to finance.
Source of threat
Exploits are created by highly qualified cybercriminals who sell them on the black market to other cybercriminals. As elements of cyber weapons, they are developed and used by special services.
Exploits can also be the result of the work of information security experts who want to show how a vulnerability they discover can be exploited. In this case, software vendors are notified of vulnerabilities prior to publishing the exploit in the public domain.
Finally, exploits are sometimes developed by students and novice programmers to improve their skills.
Risk analysis
Despite the efforts of specialists, vulnerabilities are present in almost all programs, which means that there is always a loophole for attackers to prepare an exploit. By the time the developers release a patch (a small program to fix vulnerable files), the malware can do huge damage. All users are at risk, including the most careful and attentive.
The consequences of using an exploit can be very different. It depends on the task that was set for the malicious programs: from disruption of the system to the loss of large sums of money, classified information.
You can protect your device from exploits by using antivirus software from well-known companies that are constantly improving their products. Regular updates of the operating system and application programs, refusal to click on suspicious links, ignoring spam messages, and careful attention to financial transactions will reduce the risk of infection.
