(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is defined as a vulnerability in the context of information systems?

1. A fully secured system

2. A weakness that can be exploited by a threat source

3. A software update preventing access

4. Non-compliance with laws and regulations

The correct answer is: A weakness that can be exploited by a threat source

In the context of information systems, a vulnerability refers to a weakness that can be exploited by a threat source. This means that if a system has identified flaws or weaknesses—such as coding errors, insufficient access controls, or outdated software—these can be targeted by attackers to gain unauthorized access, disrupt operations, or steal sensitive information. Understanding vulnerabilities is critical for organizations as it allows them to implement necessary security measures to mitigate risks associated with these weaknesses. For instance, if a web application has a flaw that allows for SQL injection, this vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to manipulate the database and extract sensitive data. Therefore, recognizing and addressing these vulnerabilities is essential for improving overall security posture. The other options do not accurately capture the definition of a vulnerability in this context. A fully secured system would imply the absence of vulnerabilities, which contradicts the definition. A software update preventing access is not inherently related to vulnerabilities but rather about system behavior or configuration management. Lastly, non-compliance with laws and regulations may indicate poor security practices but does not define a technical or systemic vulnerability within the information systems themselves.