WinRAR Vulnerability Added to CISA’s KEV List: What Is It and Why It Matters

What is it?

CISA has added a newly exploited WinRAR vulnerability — CVE-2025-6218 — to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list. This flaw is a path traversal bug that can let attackers execute code if someone opens a malicious file or visits a compromised webpage. It affects Windows versions of WinRAR and was fixed in version 7.12 (June 2025).

Multiple threat groups, including GOFFEE, Bitter APT, and Gamaredon, are already using this vulnerability to deliver malware, gain persistence, and steal data.

Why should you care?

Because this one hits where it hurts: your people. Attackers rely on a single click — a malicious RAR file disguised as something harmless — to sneak onto your network. Once in, they can log keystrokes, capture screenshots, steal credentials, or drop additional malware.

For businesses, this means real risk: compromised devices, disrupted operations, and potential data exposure. When a vulnerability is on CISA’s KEV list, it’s not hypothetical — it’s being used right now in active attacks.

What can you do?

First and foremost: Update WinRAR to version 7.12 or later. If your team uses WinRAR, even occasionally, outdated versions need to be patched immediately.

Next, reinforce phishing awareness. Most attacks start with a clever email or a suspicious attachment. Remind staff to think twice before opening unexpected RAR files.

Lastly, ensure your security tools are monitoring for unusual macro activity, unknown outbound connections, and unauthorized changes to system folders — the exact behavior threat actors rely on.

At Britec, our goal is to make sure you’re protected with practical steps, smart security, and the right tools behind you. If you’re unsure whether your systems are exposed, we can help you assess and tighten things up quickly.

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