A threat actor under the alias "zeroplayer" has sale a previously unknown remote code execution (RCE) zero-day exploit affecting the latest and earlier versions of WinRAR. Threat actor "zeroplayer" is selling a WinRAR RCE exploit on dark web forums for $80,000, distinct from CVE-2025-6218 and affecting latest versions. If zeroplayer’s exploit bypasses WinRAR’s current DEP/ASLR mitigations, it could enable reliable code-execution on fully patched Windows 11 systems with default settings—a nightmare scenario for defenders. WinRAR's installation on hundreds of millions of Windows systems creates widespread vulnerability through malicious archive attachments. Notably, APT groups such as APT40 and Sandworm previously chained WinRAR parsing flaws to deploy DarkMe, BitterRAT, and UAC-0050 implants during spear-phishing campaigns. Security teams should monitor for anomalous archive extraction behavior, deploy virtual patching via intrusion-prevention signatures, and prepare for out-of-cycle vendor updates. APT groups and crimeware operators could weaponize the exploit to compress attack timelines from weeks to hours via email campaigns. Organizations should temporarily use 7-Zip alternatives, deploy sandbox detonation, and enable Attack Surface Reduction while awaiting RARLAB's patch. The disclosure underscores the enduring appeal of WinRAR—a utility installed on hundreds of millions of Windows endpoints—as a high-value target for cyber-criminals. While zeroplayer has held proof-of-concept (PoC) details, previous WinRAR RCE chains provide insight into potential exploitation paths. Historically, attackers abuse WinRAR’s file-format parsing logic especially within UNACEV2.dll or crafted .RAR / .ZIP archives—to trigger memory corruption.
This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:30:16 +0000