CVE-2025-6218KEV · OVERDUECWE-22

RARLAB WinRAR Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published June 21, 2025

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 99.8th percentile for exploit probability.

298
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.0
7.8
EPSS
90%
Percentile
99.8
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ A crafty path can lead attackers right into your system! This RARLAB WinRAR vulnerability lets remote foes execute arbitrary code just by enticing you to click a malicious link or file. 🔥 Think of it as a delivery driver who misreads an address and ends up dropping your packages off at the wrong house. This vulnerability allows attackers to redirect actions meant for your files to unintended directories, potentially wreaking havoc. If exploited, an attacker could run any code they choose on your machine — accessing sensitive files, installing malware, or even taking control of your system. The consequences could be absolutely devastating if you're not careful and only a click away from disaster!

Put simply

Think of it as a delivery driver who misreads an address and ends up dropping your packages off at the wrong house. This vulnerability allows attackers to redirect actions meant for your files to unintended directories, potentially wreaking havoc. This vulnerability stems from how WinRAR processes file paths in archive files, allowing an attacker to manipulate the path traversal and execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user when the target interacts with a malicious file or webpage.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could run any code they choose on your machine — accessing sensitive files, installing malware, or even taking control of your system. The consequences could be absolutely devastating if you're not careful and only a click away from disaster! To protect yourself, immediately update WinRAR to the latest version to close this security hole. Be cautious of unknown links or files and educate users about the risks of opening suspicious content. Limit the use of WinRAR for untrusted files. You've got this! By taking these steps, you can safeguard your system and keep those pesky attackers at bay! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.0
7.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.90479 · 99.8th percentile
Weakness
CWE-22 · Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
Published
2025-06-21T00:09Z
KEV added
2025-12-09 · due 2025-12-30
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 09 DEC 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Dec 30
    kev
  • 21 JUN 00:09Z
    RARLAB WinRAR Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
    cvelistv5