CVE-2018-20250

Name: CVE-2018-20250
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2019-02-05T20:29:00.243+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 96.27%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2018-20250 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. 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.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 96.27% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

96.27%

99.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Aug 15, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Rarlab	Winrar	<= 5.61

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/152618/RARLAB-WinRAR-ACE-Format-Input-Validation-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/windows/fileformat/winrar_aceThird Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/106948Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/blau72/CVE-2018-20250-WinRAR-ACEExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://research.checkpoint.com/extracting-code-execution-from-winrar/Exploit, Press/Media Coverage, Third Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46552/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46756/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.win-rar.com/whatsnew.htmlRelease Notes
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/152618/RARLAB-WinRAR-ACE-Format-Input-Validation-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/windows/fileformat/winrar_aceThird Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/106948Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/blau72/CVE-2018-20250-WinRAR-ACEExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://research.checkpoint.com/extracting-code-execution-from-winrar/Exploit, Press/Media Coverage, Third Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46552/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46756/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.win-rar.com/whatsnew.htmlRelease Notes
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-20250US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Feb 5, 2019
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-20250?

How severe is CVE-2018-20250?

CVE-2018-20250 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 96.27% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2018-20250?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2018-20250?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST