Update affected Windows WinRAR components now. CVE-2025-8088 is a path-traversal flaw that attackers have actively exploited through maliciously crafted archives. The vulnerability is not specific to a stolen, cracked, or pirated copy: the sources describe vulnerable software and a malicious archive, not how the software was obtained.
What CVE-2025-8088 does
RARLAB describes a flaw in which a specially crafted archive could bypass the extraction path chosen by the user and write files to unintended locations. Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) reports attackers used Alternate Data Streams (ADS) in crafted RAR archives to place files in arbitrary locations, including the Windows Startup folder to establish persistence. The attack requires a malicious archive to be opened or extracted by vulnerable software; simply having WinRAR installed does not trigger it.
This is a path-traversal vulnerability, not evidence that every RAR file is dangerous or that every affected installation has been compromised. The sources reviewed do not establish that the vulnerable copy must be stolen or pirated.
Is WinRAR safe to use, and how urgent is the update?
CISA added CVE-2025-8088 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog based on evidence of active exploitation. GTIG’s January 27, 2026 report describes exploitation as widespread and active, with activity continuing in December 2025 and January 2026. GTIG identifies Russia- and China-linked government-backed actors as well as financially motivated actors; those attributions describe reported activity, not every attack or victim.
#1 Best Overall
![Express Rip Free CD Ripper Software - Extract Audio in Perfect Digital Quality [PC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xx28xHa+L._SL160_.jpg)
- Perfect quality CD digital audio extraction (ripping)
- Fastest CD Ripper available
- Extract audio from CDs to wav or Mp3
- Extract many other file formats including wma, m4q, aac, aiff, cda and more
- Extract many other file formats including wma, m4q, aac, aiff, cda and more
ESET disclosed on August 11, 2025 that it had identified a RomCom campaign exploiting the flaw as a zero-day before the patch. ESET observed spearphishing activity from July 18 to July 21, 2025, targeting financial, manufacturing, defense, and logistics companies in Europe and Canada. It reported malicious archives and delivery of RomCom-associated backdoors, while noting that none of the targets in that observed campaign were compromised. GTIG later documented additional activity involving government, military, technology, commercial, hospitality and travel, and banking-related targets across several regions.
Those reports establish real exploitation, but not a population-wide estimate of affected installations, victims, or compromise rates. ESET researcher Peter Strýček advised users to install the latest version as soon as possible to mitigate risk.
Rank #2
- Full RAR, RAR5 and ZIP support
- Decompress RAR, RAR5, ZIP, TAR, GZ, BZ2, XZ, 7z, ISO and ARJ.
- Password Protection
- Simple File Management with 'cut', 'copy', 'delete', 'rename' and 'create folder' operations
- White and black background colour schemes
Which WinRAR versions and components are affected?
RARLAB’s release notes identify Windows RAR and UnRAR, UnRAR.dll, and portable UnRAR among the affected components. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security says versions before WinRAR 7.13 are affected. RARLAB released WinRAR 7.13 Final on July 30, 2025, and its release notes identify the CVE-2025-8088 fix.
| Component or platform | What the sources establish |
|---|---|
| Windows WinRAR, RAR and UnRAR components | Affected if vulnerable; update to a fixed release. |
| UnRAR.dll and portable UnRAR for Windows | Listed by RARLAB among affected components; include them in updates and inventory. |
| Linux/Unix builds and RAR for Android | RARLAB says these are not affected by this CVE. |
WinRAR 7.13 is the fixed threshold established by the cited sources, not a claim that it is the latest release available today. For ongoing protection, use the latest official version offered for your system.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
How to update and check related components
- Open WinRAR and use Help > About WinRAR to check the installed version. If it is earlier than 7.13, treat it as affected.
- Download and install the current version from the official WinRAR source. Do not rely on updating only a shortcut or one copy if you also use separate command-line, portable, or library components.
- On a managed computer or server, inventory Windows RAR and UnRAR tools, portable copies, UnRAR.dll, and applications that embed the affected components. Update or replace each affected instance.
- If a vulnerable machine may have opened a suspicious archive, patch it promptly and follow your organization’s incident-response process to assess possible prior activity. Installing the fix prevents reuse of this vulnerability; it does not establish that a past compromise did or did not happen.
Can opening a RAR file infect your computer?
A RAR file is not inherently harmful. The reported attack requires a maliciously crafted archive and vulnerable Windows software to process it; a crafted archive can then write files outside the selected extraction location. Avoid opening unexpected archives, particularly those delivered through unsolicited messages, and keep the affected software updated.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Free Fling File Transfer Software for Windows [PC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Vq6ZqHfjL._SL160_.jpg)
- Intuitive interface of a conventional FTP client
- Easy and Reliable FTP Site Maintenance.
- FTP Automation and Synchronization
Rank #4
![DeskFX Free Audio Effects & Audio Enhancer Software [PC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fXbDohyuS._SL160_.jpg)
- Transform audio playing via your speakers and headphones
- Improve sound quality by adjusting it with effects
- Take control over the sound playing through audio hardware
Sources
- RARLAB WinRAR release information
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security advisory
- ESET’s August 11, 2025 campaign disclosure
- Google Threat Intelligence Group reporting
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
