What is defined as any weakness that permits exploitation?

The term "vulnerability" is used to identify any weakness in a system, application, or network that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access or cause harm. In the context of cybersecurity, vulnerabilities are critical to recognize because they represent potential points of failure that can be taken advantage of, leading to security breaches or data loss.

Understanding vulnerabilities is foundational for mitigating risks and implementing effective security measures. Organizations need to continually assess their systems for these weaknesses in order to apply appropriate controls, patches, and remediation strategies to protect against potential exploitation.

While a "patch" refers to a software update designed to fix vulnerabilities, a "flaw" typically pertains to an error or defect in software or hardware that may lead to vulnerabilities. Similarly, a "configuration issue" relates to incorrect settings that could expose a system, but it is not synonymous with the broad definition of a vulnerability itself. Thus, vulnerability is the most accurate term to encapsulate the concept of weaknesses that enable exploitation.