A computer exploit is a type of attack that takes advantage of a vulnerability in a computer system or software to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code. Exploits are often used by attackers to gain access to sensitive information, launch a denial of service attack, or install malware.

There are several types of computer exploits, including buffer overflow exploits, SQL injection exploits, and zero-day exploits. Buffer overflow exploits take advantage of a vulnerability in a system's memory management to execute arbitrary code. SQL injection exploits take advantage of a vulnerability in a database's input validation to execute arbitrary SQL code. Zero-day exploits are a type of exploit that takes advantage of a previously unknown vulnerability, allowing the attacker to gain access to a system before a patch or fix is available.

One of the most significant impacts of computer exploits is the ability of an attacker to gain unauthorized access to a system. By exploiting a vulnerability in a system or software, an attacker can bypass security measures and gain access to sensitive information, such as user credentials, financial data, or personal information. Once an attacker has gained access to a system, they can use this access to steal sensitive data, launch a denial of service attack, or install malware.

Another impact of computer exploits is the ability of an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a system. This can be used to launch a denial of service attack, which can cause a system to become unavailable to legitimate users. Additionally, an attacker can use this vulnerability to install malware on a system, which can be used to steal sensitive information or launch further attacks.

Computer exploits can be mitigated by keeping systems and software up to date with the latest security patches, implementing security best practices, and monitoring systems for suspicious activity. For example, system administrators can use intrusion detection systems to monitor for signs of an exploit, and can use firewalls to block malicious traffic. Additionally, organizations can use vulnerability management tools to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities in their systems and software.

In conclusion, computer exploits are a serious security vulnerability that can have significant impacts on a system, including unauthorized access, data theft, and denial of service attacks. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is essential to keep systems and software up to date with the latest security patches, implement security best practices, and monitor systems for suspicious activity. By taking these steps, organizations can protect their systems and sensitive information from computer exploits. It's also important to have incident response plans ready in case an exploit is successful, in order to minimize the impact and to regain control of the affected systems and networks.