Definition ∞ A known exploited vulnerability, or KEV, is a software flaw that has been publicly identified and confirmed to have been actively used by attackers to compromise systems. These vulnerabilities pose an immediate and significant security risk due to their proven exploitability. Organizations are strongly advised to address KEVs promptly to prevent security breaches.
Context ∞ In crypto news, reports often highlight known exploited vulnerabilities when discussing security incidents affecting blockchain platforms, decentralized applications, or digital asset wallets. Such vulnerabilities can lead to substantial financial losses or system downtime. The presence of KEVs underscores the critical need for continuous security patching and vigilance within the digital asset ecosystem.