What is Vulnerability?

A vulnerability is a weakness or flaw in a computer system, network, or software that a threat actor can exploit to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive information, or disrupt normal operations. In short, they are open doors that invite trouble. Vulnerabilities can exist in a variety of forms, including:

• Misconfigured systems: Misconfigured systems, which often result from human error or oversight, can leave organizations exposed to a variety of risks. For instance, misconfigured firewalls can allow unauthorized access to sensitive data, while misconfigured servers can be easily compromised by hackers.

• Coding errors: Coding errors are often unintentional mistakes made by developers that create opportunities for hackers to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or disrupt system functionality. One common way threat actors take advantage of coding errors is through the use of injection attacks. By inserting malicious code into vulnerable areas of an application, they can trick a system into executing unintended commands or leaking sensitive information.

• Open ports: Open ports are like windows into a computer or network that allow data to flow in and out. When left unsecured or unmonitored, they can become an easy way for hackers to enter and move laterally across networks and gain access to sensitive data and systems.

• Weak credentials: Hackers can easily crack weak passwords — for example, using password dictionaries or launching brute-force attacks that systematically guess passwords by trying various combinations until they find the correct one. Hackers can also take advantage of password reuse. Once a hacker successfully cracks one password, they can gain access to various other accounts, potentially leading to a domino effect of unauthorized access.

In Netenrich

The Resolution Intelligence Cloud™ Attack Surface Exposure (ASE) feature offers continuous attack surface monitoring to detect bad actors and vulnerabilities across digital infrastructures. ASE helps you find — and act fast to fix — hidden risks, such as advanced persistent threats (APTs), open ports, vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and more.

It’s also easy to get started with ASE,  which requires minimal effort to onboard. You can quickly and easily ingest data from any source and promptly begin monitoring and managing your attack surface. ASE continuously scans your attack surface to discover your publicly exposed digital footprints and will also prioritize and escalate any issues that need your immediate attention.