Which of the following BEST describes 'Vulnerability'?

According to IEC 62443-1-1, a vulnerability is defined as:

“A weakness in an asset or in the protective measures associated with that asset that can be exploited by a threat source.”

More broadly, it represents the potential for a violation of security, rather than a guaranteed breach or specific event.

This aligns with the understanding in cybersecurity risk management — a vulnerability does not equate to an incident or result, but rather a potential that could be exploited.

Incorrect Options:

A. An exploitable flaw in management – Too narrow; vulnerabilities exist in systems, software, devices, not just management.

B. An event that could breach security – That’s a threat, not a vulnerability.

D. The result that occurs from a particular incident – That would be considered a consequence or impact, not the vulnerability itself.