A Zero-Day Exploit is a cyberattack that takes advantage of a previously unknown security hole/vulnerability in software or hardware. These exploits are called “zero-day” because the developers have had zero days to address and patch the flaw before it is used in attacks. This makes zero-day exploits extremely dangerous and valuable to both cybercriminals and security professionals.
When a zero-day exploit is discovered, it can be used to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal data, or cause other forms of damage. The process typically involves finding a weakness in software, writing malicious code to exploit it, and then executing the attack before a patch can be developed and distributed. Because of their high impact, zero-day exploits often attract significant attention and prompt swift action from security teams to mitigate the associated risks.
In summary, a zero-day exploit is a cyber threat that leverages unknown vulnerabilities, leaving systems exposed to attacks until a fix can be applied.