Which technique describes how malware code infects a target host?

The technique that best describes how malware code infects a target host is known as the exploit technique. An exploit technique involves taking advantage of vulnerabilities in software or systems to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code. This can include exploiting weaknesses in applications, operating systems, or network protocols that can allow the malware to enter and infect the target host.

Understanding the exploit technique is crucial in the context of cybersecurity because it highlights how attackers can leverage existing flaws to deliver malware. This knowledge helps defenders to implement proper patch management and vulnerability assessments, aiming to lessen the risk of exploitation.

The other options, while related to the broader topic of malware and cybersecurity, do not specifically describe the mechanism of how malware infects a target host. Shellcode refers to a type of machine code used in exploits but does not encompass the entire infection technique. Code Injection pertains to injecting code into a program, which is a method that can be used in exploits but is not a standalone infection technique. The fileless technique refers to malware that operates in-memory without writing files to disk, which can be a sophisticated infection method, but it is still classified under tactics that exploit certain vulnerabilities or use legitimate processes for execution.