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CVE-2018-20250 is a path traversal vulnerability in WinRAR prior to and including version 5.61 involving ACE archive extraction through the UNACEV2.dll library. By crafting the ACE filename field with specific path patterns, an attacker can cause WinRAR to ignore the user-selected extraction directory and treat the embedded path as absolute or otherwise write outside the intended destination. This allows files contained in a malicious ACE archive, including archives disguised with a RAR extension, to be extracted to arbitrary filesystem locations. The flaw has been widely abused to place attacker-controlled files into autostart locations such as the Windows Startup folder, resulting in execution of dropped payloads when the user next logs in or when the operating system processes those locations.
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1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (2 hidden).
This repository provides a Python exploit script (exp.py) that generates a malicious RAR archive designed to exploit a path traversal/code execution vulnerability in WinRAR (as described in Check Point's research). The script takes an attacker-supplied executable (e.g., calc.exe) and crafts a RAR file (test.rar) that, when extracted by a victim using a vulnerable version of WinRAR, will drop the executable into the victim's Windows Startup folder (C:\C:C:../AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Windows/Start Menu/Programs/Startup/hi.exe). This ensures the payload will execute on the next system reboot. The archive also contains decoy files (hello.txt, world.txt) to appear innocuous. The exploit requires the attacker to provide the payload and specify the target path. The repository consists of the main exploit script (exp.py), two decoy text files, and a README.md with usage instructions and background. No network endpoints are involved; the attack vector is local, relying on user interaction with the malicious archive.
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Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.
24 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
A known vulnerability in WinRAR that Elfin attempted to exploit to compromise a Saudi chemical-sector organization.
An older WinRAR vulnerability referenced as an example of long-tail exploitation in targeted attacks years after disclosure.
An older WinRAR vulnerability cited as an example of long-term exploitation in targeted attacks years after disclosure.
A previously exploited archive path traversal vulnerability referenced as an earlier example of Gamaredon using similar WinRAR-based path traversal tradecraft.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.