What type of threat involves exploiting software vulnerabilities before fixes are available?

The type of threat that involves exploiting software vulnerabilities before fixes are available is known as a zero-day threat. This term refers to the fact that developers have "zero days" to fix the vulnerability before it is exploited by attackers. Zero-day threats are particularly dangerous because they target unknown vulnerabilities in software, which means there are no patches or defenses available at the time of the attack.

By exploiting these vulnerabilities, attackers can gain unauthorized access to systems, steal data, or disrupt services without detection, as the security community has not yet had the opportunity to respond to the threat by developing and deploying a fix. This makes zero-day exploits highly valuable and sought after in the cybercriminal underground, as they can be used until a patch is released or mitigations are in place. Understanding zero-day threats is crucial for organizations to establish strong security measures and response strategies to protect against unanticipated vulnerabilities.