Still Using WinRAR? It Might Be Time for an Update, as a Zero-Day Vulnerability is Being Exploited in the Wild
The iconic WinRAR logo, with its stacked-book design, evokes memories of nostalgia and comfort. However, when it comes to security vulnerabilities, such emotions are quickly replaced by anxiety. A recent discovery has shed light on a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-8088) in the widely used file compression and extraction tool, WinRAR. ESET Research initially identified this exploit in July, and further analysis was published yesterday.
The vulnerability is attributed to a Russia-aligned hacking group operating under the alias RomCom. According to ESET's findings, this group has been actively exploiting this zero-day vulnerability in various campaigns, including spear phishing attacks. The tactics used involve sending infected job application documents (.rar format) to potential victims, who are then tricked into extracting malicious executables from the archive into Windows autorun paths – including the Startup folder.
This leads to a situation where, upon a user logging back in, the executable will remotely execute malicious code. It's a concerning scenario, especially considering that ESET has observed infected archives being used in targeted attacks, with none of the affected targets under its watch being actively compromised. Ukrainian authorities have previously reported instances of Russian hackers using similar WinRAR exploits to wipe data from government computers.
"By exploiting a previously unknown zero-day vulnerability in WinRAR, the RomCom group has shown that it is willing to invest serious effort and resources into its cyberoperations," says ESET. "This is at least the third time RomCom has used a zero-day vulnerability in the wild, highlighting its ongoing focus on acquiring and using exploits for targeted attacks." The discovered campaign targeted sectors aligned with typical interests of Russian-aligned APT groups, suggesting a geopolitical motivation behind the operation.
With this revelation, it's clear that users with older versions of WinRAR should prioritize updating their software to prevent potential exploitation. After all, when it comes to security, better safe than sorry is often the best policy. Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and updates to ensure your digital safety.
Budget-Friendly PC Hardware Recommendations
While this article was not exclusively focused on WinRAR updates or cyber threats, we couldn't resist sharing some budget-friendly recommendations for PC hardware enthusiasts:
- Best Budget: Biwin Black Opal NV7400
- Best PCIe 5.0: WD_Black SN8100
- Best Budget PCIe 5.0: Crucial P510
- Best 4 TB: TeamGroup MP44
- Best 8 TB: WD_Black SN850X
- Best M.2 2230: Lexar Play 2230
- Best for PS5: Silicon Power XS70
Andy, our hardware writer, has extensive experience reviewing various PC components and sharing his findings with the gaming community. With a lifelong passion for PC hardware, Andy ensures readers receive unbiased opinions on every piece of equipment he tests.