Which term describes a condition that allows a threat to potentially exploit a system?

The term that describes a condition that allows a threat to potentially exploit a system is vulnerability. In the context of information security, a vulnerability refers to a weakness or flaw in a system, whether it's in hardware, software, or policies, that can be targeted by an attacker.

When a system has an existing vulnerability, it is essentially an open door that could be exploited by threats, such as malware, unauthorized access, or data breaches. Identifying vulnerabilities is a crucial part of maintaining security because addressing these weaknesses can significantly reduce the risk of successful attacks.

In contrast, risk refers to the potential for loss or damage when a threat exploits a vulnerability; exposure is the state of being open to loss or damage, and incident refers to an occurrence of a security breach or failure, which is a consequence of vulnerabilities being exploited. These terms are related but highlight different aspects of information security, making vulnerability the most accurate choice for defining the condition that allows for potential exploitation.