The most accurate description of the relationship between information security elements is that threats exploit vulnerabilities to damage or destroy assets. This relationship forms the foundational model used in information security risk management, including ISO/IEC 27001:2022.

In this model, assets are anything of value to the organization, such as information, systems, services, or people. Vulnerabilities are weaknesses or gaps in protection that could be exploited. Threats are potential causes of an unwanted incident, such as malicious actors, malware, system failures, or human error. A risk materializes when a threat successfully exploits a vulnerability, leading to an impact on an asset.

Option A correctly captures this causal chain and reflects the risk assessment logic required by ISO/IEC 27001 clause 6.1.2, which requires organizations to identify threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts in combination.

Option B is incorrect because controls do not reduce threats directly; they primarily reduce vulnerabilities or mitigate impacts. Threats often exist outside the organization’s control. Option C is also incorrect because risk is not solely a function of vulnerabilities; it is typically a combination of threats, vulnerabilities, likelihood, and impact.

Therefore, option A best represents the correct and complete relationship among the core information security elements.