CVE-2018-20250
KEVRansomware UseWinRAR Absolute Path Traversal Vulnerability
Description
WinRAR Absolute Path Traversal vulnerability leads to Remote Code Execution
In WinRAR versions prior to and including 5.61, There is path traversal vulnerability when crafting the filename field of the ACE format (in UNACEV2.dll). When the filename field is manipulated with specific patterns, the destination (extraction) folder is ignored, thus treating the filename as an absolute path.
CVSS 3.1 vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HPublishedFeb 5, 2019
Last modifiedAug 13, 2026
Added to KEVFeb 15, 2022
Remediation dueAug 15, 2022
References
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/152618/RARLAB-WinRAR-ACE-Format-Input-Validation-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploitThird Party Advisory
- rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/windows/fileformat/winrar_aceThird Party Advisory
- securityfocus.com/bid/106948Broken LinkThird Party Advisory
- github.com/blau72/CVE-2018-20250-WinRAR-ACEExploitThird Party Advisory
- research.checkpoint.com/extracting-code-execution-from-winrar/ExploitPress/Media Coverage
- exploit-db.com/exploits/46552/ExploitThird Party Advisory
- exploit-db.com/exploits/46756/ExploitThird Party Advisory
- win-rar.com/whatsnew.htmlRelease Notes
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-20250US Government Resource
0 recent articles mention this CVE
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Risk assessment · Critical
Actively exploited and used by ransomware crews. Patch immediately.
- Exploitation
- Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Federal remediation deadline
- Overdue by 1533 days
- Ransomware
- Used in known ransomware campaigns
- CVSS
- 7.8 HIGH
- EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
- 96.0% · top 1% of all CVEs
- Weakness
- CWE-36
Recommended actions
- 1.Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- 2.Treat as emergency change: patch or isolate internet-facing instances first.
- 3.Hunt for compromise: review logs for the disclosure window, not just from the patch date.
- 4.Verify offline/immutable backups and segment the affected systems. This flaw is used for ransomware initial access.
Assessment is derived automatically from the live signals above; verify against your own asset inventory.