CVE-2018-20250
In WinRAR versions prior to and including 5.61, There is path traversal vulnerability when crafting the filename field of the ACE format (in…
Browse: All 2018 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 7.8 High
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2022-02-15, remediation due 2022-08-15)
- Ransomware
- Known ransomware campaign use
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-36, CWE-22
- Published
- 2019-02-05
- Last modified
- 2026-08-13
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
In WinRAR versions prior to and including 5.61, There is path traversal vulnerability when crafting the filename field of the ACE format (in UNACEV2.dll). When the filename field is manipulated with specific patterns, the destination (extraction) folder is ignored, thus treating the filename as an absolute path.
Affected products
- rarlab winrar
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2022-08-15.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/152618/RARLAB-WinRAR-ACE-Format-Input-Validation-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- http://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/windows/fileformat/winrar_ace
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/106948
- https://github.com/blau72/CVE-2018-20250-WinRAR-ACE
- https://research.checkpoint.com/extracting-code-execution-from-winrar/
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46552/
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46756/
- https://www.win-rar.com/whatsnew.html
FAQ
Is CVE-2018-20250 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2018-20250 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2022-02-15, with a federal remediation deadline of 2022-08-15. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2018-20250?
CVE-2018-20250 has a CVSS base score of 7.8 (High). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2025-6218 — RARLAB WinRAR
- CVE-2025-8088 — RARLAB WinRAR
- CVE-2023-38831 — RARLAB WinRAR
- CVE-2022-30333 — RARLAB UnRAR
- CVE-2024-48248 — NAKIVO Backup and Replication
- CVE-2024-13161 — Ivanti Endpoint Manager (EPM)
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
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