CVE-2025-8088 RARLAB WinRAR Path Traversal Vulnerability
RARLAB WinRAR contains a path traversal vulnerability affecting the Windows version of WinRAR. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code by crafting malicious archive files.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 12 Aug 2025.
- CISA lists it as known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 8.4, scored by Vendor).
- It has been in the catalogue for 451 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
A path traversal vulnerability affecting the Windows version of WinRAR allows the attackers to execute arbitrary code by crafting malicious archive files. This vulnerability was exploited in the wild and was discovered by Anton Cherepanov, Peter Košinár, and Peter Strýček from ESET.
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| win.rar GmbH WinRAR | 7.12 and earlier |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for RARLAB WinRAR. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
Fix it
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Vulnerability Management - 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
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