Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What type of malware component specifically targets vulnerabilities in software or operating systems?

1. Trojan

2. Exploit

3. Worm

4. Virus

The correct answer is: Exploit

The correct answer, Exploit, specifically refers to a type of malware component designed to take advantage of vulnerabilities in software or operating systems. Exploits are used by attackers to gain unauthorized access or control over systems, often leveraging security weaknesses that have not been patched or mitigated. By targeting these vulnerabilities, exploits are capable of executing malicious payloads, which can lead to data breaches, system compromises, or the installation of additional malware. In contrast, other options like Trojans, worms, and viruses represent different categories of malware. Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users into executing them but do not inherently target vulnerabilities. Worms are self-replicating malware that spreads across networks and does not necessarily require a vulnerability in a host to propagate. Viruses, while they can spread through vulnerabilities, primarily attach themselves to other executable files and require a host to activate, rather than specifically targeting vulnerabilities on their own. Thus, Exploit stands out as the term that precisely describes malware components aimed at exploiting software vulnerabilities.