Exploitability is spelled with three syllables: /ɪkˌsplɔɪ.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound /ɪk/ followed by the stressed syllable /ˌsplɔɪ/ with a long "o" sound. The second-to-last syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound /bɪl/. The final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/ followed by a "ti" sound /ˈtɪ/. This word refers to the quality of being able to be exploited, or taken advantage of.
Exploitability refers to the degree or likelihood to which a vulnerability or weakness can be taken advantage of or leveraged by attackers in order to compromise or gain unauthorized access to a system, network, or software application. This term is commonly used in the context of cybersecurity or information security.
It encompasses the assessment of how susceptible a specific vulnerability is to exploitation and the potential consequences that arise from such exploitation. The more exploitable a vulnerability is deemed to be, the higher the chances of successful attacks occurring.
To determine exploitability, security professionals often analyze various factors, including the complexity of the vulnerability, the availability of tools or techniques that can be used to exploit it, the level of skill required to execute an attack, and the potential impact or value of the targeted asset. These factors help in evaluating the risk associated with a vulnerability, prioritizing remediation efforts, and allocating resources appropriately to mitigate the identified risks.
Exploitability is a critical consideration in vulnerability management and risk assessment processes within organizations. By understanding the exploitability of vulnerabilities, security teams can take proactive measures to prevent or minimize the potential damage that could result from attackers targeting weaknesses in their systems, applications, or networks.
The word "exploitability" is derived from the noun "exploit", which originated from the Middle English word "exploiten" or "esploiten". This Middle English term was borrowed from the Old French word "esploit", meaning "a deed or action" or "an achievement or accomplishment". The Old French term, in turn, derived from the Latin word "explotare", which meant "to accomplish" or "to carry out". The addition of the suffix "-ability" to "exploit" creates the word "exploitability", which refers to the quality or state of being able to be exploited or taken advantage of.