CVE-2018-20253 : Security Advisory and Response

WinRAR versions up to and including 5.60 have a vulnerability allowing an out-of-bounds write when processing specific LHA / LZH archive formats, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

Understanding CVE-2018-20253

Versions of WinRAR up to and including 5.60 contain a critical vulnerability that could be exploited to execute arbitrary code.

What is CVE-2018-20253?

This CVE refers to an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in WinRAR versions prior to and including 5.60, triggered during the parsing of specially crafted LHA / LZH archive formats.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20253

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to a complete system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20253

WinRAR's vulnerability details and affected systems.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in WinRAR versions up to 5.60 allows for an out-of-bounds write, enabling attackers to execute malicious code.

Affected Systems and Versions

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

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious LHA / LZH archive formats, triggering the out-of-bounds write and potentially executing arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2018-20253.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WinRAR to a version beyond 5.60 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid opening archives from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access and code execution.

Patching and Updates

Check for WinRAR updates regularly and apply patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.