What do we call the container that delivers the exploit to the target in an attack?

The term used to refer to the container that delivers the exploit to the target is "payload." In the context of cybersecurity attacks, the payload is the part of the attack that performs the intended function once it successfully reaches the target system. This can include malicious code designed to steal data, install malware, or execute commands on the victim's system.

The payload is essential because, while the exploit may take advantage of a vulnerability in the system, it is the payload that carries out the malicious action resulting from that exploitation. Understanding this distinction is crucial in the field of cybersecurity, as effective defense strategies often focus on preventing both the exploit from occurring and the payload from executing.

Other terms like "exploit," "trigger," and "container" refer to different aspects of an attack but do not accurately describe the payload's role as the delivery mechanism for the malicious action. An exploit refers to the method or technique used to leverage a vulnerability, whereas a trigger can denote a specific condition or event that initiates an action within the system. The term "container" may describe various storage entities in cybersecurity but is not specifically relevant to the delivery of exploits.