CVE-2023-38831KEV · OVERDUECWE-345CWE-351

RARLAB WinRAR Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published August 23, 2023

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 100.0th percentile for exploit probability.

1136
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
100%
Percentile
100.0
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 Just when you thought it was safe to open ZIP files, a sneaky vulnerability in WinRAR allows attackers to execute code with just a simple file view! ⚡ Think of it like a surprise birthday party where someone hides a dangerous cake inside the regular one. You’re focused on unwrapping the delightful present, but there’s a hidden surprise that could ruin the day! 🎂 An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to run arbitrary code on your machine simply by luring you into viewing a seemingly harmless file. This could result in anything from data theft to full-system compromise, leaving your system vulnerable and your data at risk. It's absolutely devastating when an innocent action becomes a potential entry point for malicious actors!

Put simply

Think of it like a surprise birthday party where someone hides a dangerous cake inside the regular one. You’re focused on unwrapping the delightful present, but there’s a hidden surprise that could ruin the day! 🎂 This vulnerability arises when a ZIP archive contains a benign file, like a .JPG, alongside a folder of the same name that may hold executable content. When users try to open the benign file, the executables in the folder are processed, allowing for arbitrary code execution.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to run arbitrary code on your machine simply by luring you into viewing a seemingly harmless file. This could result in anything from data theft to full-system compromise, leaving your system vulnerable and your data at risk. It's absolutely devastating when an innocent action becomes a potential entry point for malicious actors! Update WinRAR to version 6.23 or later immediately to close this exploit. Additionally, exercise caution when handling ZIP files from untrusted sources and use a reliable antivirus solution to scan files before opening them. You’ve got this! With a quick update, you'll keep those sneaky surprises at bay and protect your system like the security hero you are! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.99815 · 100.0th percentile
Weaknesses
CWE-345 · Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity; CWE-351 · Insufficient Type Distinction
Published
2023-08-23T21:15Z
KEV added
2023-08-24 · due 2023-09-14
Affected products (1)
ProductVersionsFixed in
rarlab/winrar< 6.236.23
References (11)
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 24 AUG 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Sep 14
    kev
  • 23 AUG 00:00Z
    RARLAB WinRAR before 6.23 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when a user attempts to view a benign file within a ZIP archive
    cvelistv5