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7.5

WinRAR can execute attacker code via crafted file

CVE-2005-3262 · published 21 years ago
Summary

Versions of WinRAR from 2.90 through 3.50 may run any program an attacker includes when the program shows an error message for a specially crafted file. This could let a remote attacker take control of the computer that opens the file. Upgrade to the latest WinRAR release or apply the vendor’s security update to fix the problem.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
rarlab winrar 2.90
3.0.0
3.10
3.10_beta3
3.10_beta5
3.11
3.20
3.40
3.41
3.42
3.50
cpe:2.3:a:rarlab:winrar:2.90:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
Format string vulnerability in RARLAB WinRAR 2.90 through 3.50 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a UUE/XXE file, which are not properly handled when ...
Format string vulnerability in RARLAB WinRAR 2.90 through 3.50 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a UUE/XXE file, which are not properly handled when WinRAR displays diagnostic errors related to an invalid filename.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 14 days
Internal 60 days
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Can be exploited automatically (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker partial control (estimated)
Severity
7.5 High
Exploitation
9% chance of attack within 30 days
Timeline
Published20 Oct 2005
Updated15 Oct 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2005-3262 · NVD
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