Vulnerability

A vulnerability is a weakness that can be exploited to compromise confidentiality, integrity, or availability.

Updated: 2026-03-05

Definition

A vulnerability can exist in software, hardware, configuration, or processes.

Managing vulnerabilities includes discovery, prioritization, patching, and verification.

Key points

Weakness that can be exploited
Risk depends on exposure and impact
Fix via patching, configuration, or compensating controls

Common mistakes

Treating all vulnerabilities as equal (no prioritization).
Ignoring misconfigurations as vulnerabilities.

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Related terms

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