Unknown Individual Alerts Zimbo: Infiltration of Personal Computer through WinRAR, Urgent Action Required for Resolution
WinRAR, a popular software used for opening files, has fallen victim to a cyber attack. Two hacking crews, RomCom and Paper Werewolf, have been exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in all WinRAR versions up to 7.12 to distribute malware.
This vulnerability, known as CVE-2025-8088, allows malicious RAR files to be disguised as normal documents. The malware hidden within these files is extracted by WinRAR and placed in sensitive folders like the Windows Startup folder. This means the malware runs automatically every time the user logs in.
The good news is that WinRAR developers have released an update—version 7.13—to fix this critical vulnerability. This update was released on July 30-31, 2025, and patches a path traversal flaw that allows arbitrary code execution when extracting specially crafted archives.
Steps to Stay Protected
- Visit the official WinRAR website or a trusted software distribution source to download version 7.13. Avoid third-party sites to minimize risk.
- Before updating, backup your important data to avoid any unexpected data loss.
- Uninstall any previous WinRAR versions (especially versions older than 7.13) to eliminate vulnerabilities from prior releases.
- Install WinRAR 7.13 following the installer prompts.
- Avoid opening suspicious or unsolicited RAR files, especially those received via email or from untrusted sources. Attackers have used phishing campaigns to deliver malicious archives exploiting this vulnerability.
- Keep your Windows and security software updated to provide additional layers of defense against exploit attempts.
- If you are in Zimbabwe, ensure your internet connection or IT environment allows access to the official WinRAR update site. Consider using VPN services if regional restrictions apply.
This vulnerability is being actively exploited by threat groups using poisoned archives capable of deploying malware silently, targeting sensitive sectors worldwide. Applying this update immediately is crucial to protect your system.
No Zimbabwe-specific restrictions or special update procedures have been reported, so the general global update steps apply. Always use official sources to minimize the risk of tampered installers.
It's important to note that the zero-day vulnerability was discovered before the developers could patch it, allowing hackers to exploit it for weeks. This vulnerability poses a threat to users of WinRAR in Zimbabwe, regardless of the reason for using the software. These hackers often pose as job applicants, sending CVs and cover letters in RAR files.
Stay vigilant and protect your system by updating to WinRAR 7.13 today.
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