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What is Vulnerability? Definition and explanations

A vulnerability is a weakness in a system — in code, configuration, design or a process — that an attacker can use to compromise its confidentiality, integrity or availability. It only becomes a risk when paired with an attacker able to reach it and an asset worth reaching. That triple is what determines remediation priority.

In one sentence

A vulnerability is an exploitable weakness; it becomes a risk only with an attacker and something at stake.

Related terms

Sources and references

Glossary