Which of the following is an example of an exploit?

An exploit refers to a technique or method used to take advantage of a vulnerability or flaw in a system, software, or application. Launching an attack on a known vulnerability is a clear example of an exploit because it involves actively leveraging that weakness to gain unauthorized access, disrupt service, or execute malicious actions on the target system.

The other options, while related to cybersecurity, do not specifically describe the act of exploiting a vulnerability. Using outdated software often increases the risk of an exploit but does not itself constitute an exploit. A phishing email is a method used to deceive users into revealing sensitive information, and while it can lead to exploitation, it is not an exploit in the technical sense. Similarly, a malware infection may result from an exploit but does not define the exploitative action itself. The focus on exploiting a known vulnerability in the correct answer pinpoints the act of breaching a system through its weaknesses, making it the most accurate representation of an exploit.