> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/protect-your-endpoints/endpoint-security/endpoint-protection/exploit-protection.md).

# Exploit protection

An exploit is a sequence of commands that takes advantage of a bug or vulnerability in software or hardware to gain unauthorized access or control.

To combat an attack in which an attacker takes advantage of a software exploit or vulnerability, Cortex XSIAM employs Endpoint Protection Modules (EPM). Each EPM targets a specific exploit type in the attack chain. Some capabilities that Cortex XSIAM EPMs provide are reconnaissance prevention, memory corruption prevention, code execution prevention, and kernel protection.

The following table lists the types of exploits for which Cortex XSIAM provides protection.

| Exploit protection type      | Description                                                                                                                             |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Reconnaissance prevention    | Prevents attackers from probing the network for vulnerabilities while preserving the option to perform internal reconnaissance testing. |
| Memory corruption prevention | Prevents adversaries from exploiting memory corruption vulnerabilities.                                                                 |
| Code execution prevention    | Prevents malicious code that could allow attackers to deploy additional malware to steal sensitive data.                                |
| Kernel protection            | Protects the kernel against kernel threats and exploits.                                                                                |


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/protect-your-endpoints/endpoint-security/endpoint-protection/exploit-protection.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.