CVE-2018-20252 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

WinRAR versions up to and including 5.60 have a vulnerability that allows for an out-of-bounds write when parsing ACE and RAR archive formats, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

Understanding CVE-2018-20252

Versions of WinRAR up to and including 5.60 may have a vulnerability that allows for an out-of-bounds write when parsing ACE and RAR archive formats. If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could enable arbitrary code execution within the current user's context.

What is CVE-2018-20252?

CVE-2018-20252 is a vulnerability found in WinRAR versions prior to and including 5.60, which can be exploited to perform an out-of-bounds write during the parsing of ACE and RAR archive formats.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20252

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20252

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in WinRAR versions up to and including 5.60 allows for an out-of-bounds write when processing ACE and RAR archives, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WinRAR
Vendor: Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
Versions affected: All versions prior to and including 5.60

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting malicious ACE and RAR archive formats to trigger the out-of-bounds write, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WinRAR to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Exercise caution when opening archives from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that WinRAR is kept up to date with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities.