CVE-2023-38831: RARLAB WinRAR Code Execution Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2023-38831 is a high (CVSS 7.8) vulnerability in RARLAB WinRAR. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 24-08-2023. It has been used in ransomware campaigns. EPSS estimates a 99.81% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99.9% of scored vulnerabilities. 5 public exploits are recorded.

Timeline

1. 23-08-2023
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 24-08-2023
   Added to CISA KEVRARLAB WinRAR Code Execution Vulnerability
3. 14-09-2023
   CISA remediation dueApply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
4. 05-08-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

RARLAB WinRAR before 6.23 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when a user attempts to view a benign file within a ZIP archive. The issue occurs because a ZIP archive may include a benign file (such as an ordinary .JPG file) and also a folder that has the same name as the benign file, and the contents of the folder (which may include executable content) are processed during an attempt to access only the benign file. This was exploited in the wild in April through October 2023.

• CWE-345Insufficient Verification of Data AuthenticityThe product does not sufficiently verify the origin or authenticity of data, in a way that causes it to accept invalid data.
• CWE-351Insufficient Type DistinctionThe product does not properly distinguish between different types of elements in a way that leads to insecure behavior.