Unknown Entity Zimbo, Intruders have breached your computer's security via WinRAR software. Swift action is required to resolve the issue.
In a concerning turn of events, a zero-day vulnerability in the popular file extraction software, WinRAR, has been actively exploited by hackers. This vulnerability, known as CVE-2025-8088, allows hackers to gain unauthorized access to users' computers and run malicious software automatically.
The flaw exploits a path traversal issue using NTFS Alternate Data Streams (ADS) to drop malware and maintain persistence via autorun system directories. To safeguard against this threat, it is crucial to update WinRAR to version 7.13 or later immediately. This can be done by manually downloading the latest version from the official RarLab website or deploying the update centrally in an organizational environment.
In addition to updating WinRAR, users should take the following precautions:
- Treat RAR archives from untrusted or unknown sources as hostile. Quarantine or block such files at email gateways.
- Train users not to open unexpected RAR files that prompt extraction warnings.
- Monitor the creation and modification of LNK shortcut files in startup folders and suspicious files in temp directories.
- Restrict write permissions for non-privileged users on system and autorun folders to reduce persistence risks.
- Ensure endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools monitor for suspicious ADS usage and archive extraction patterns.
- Run proactive threat hunts for related malicious behaviours such as COM hijacking and loader activity associated with malware families exploiting this vulnerability.
Regarding Zimbabwe, there are no specific regional instructions beyond these global best practices. Users and organizations in Zimbabwe should follow these standard security steps to mitigate the threat posed by this WinRAR zero-day exploit.
It is essential to note that the hackers often disguise the malicious files as job applications with CVs and cover letters, bundled into RAR files. Two hacking crews, RomCom and Paper Werewolf (tied to Russia), are actively sending out malicious RAR files disguised as normal documents. This zero-day vulnerability means hackers found the hole before developers could patch it, and they've been using it for weeks. The compromise poses a threat to users worldwide, as many use WinRAR, including in Zimbabwe.
By following these guidelines, users can help safeguard their systems against the active exploitation of this WinRAR zero-day vulnerability.
| Step | Action | |-------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Update WinRAR | Upgrade immediately to WinRAR 7.13 or later | | Source of Update | Download from the official RarLab website | | Handle RAR cautiously | Quarantine/block archives from untrusted sources | | User training | Avoid opening unexpected/extracted warnings | | Endpoint & File Monitoring | Watch for suspicious LNK files and ADS usage | | Permission hardening | Limit write access on system and autorun directories | | Use EDR and threat hunting | Detect malicious loader and COM hijack activity |
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