CVE-2023-38831
HighExploitedPublic exploitRARLAB WinRAR before 6.23 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when a user attempts to view a benign file within a ZIP archive.
Published Sep 21, 2023 · Updated Aug 5, 2026 · Also known as TR-23-0549
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-38831 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Winrar (Rarlab).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 10, 2023 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 100% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Winrar 6.23.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
100%
Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2023-38831 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
RARLAB WinRAR before 6.23 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when a user attempts to view a benign file within a ZIP archive. The issue occurs because a ZIP archive may include a benign file (such as an ordinary .JPG file) and also a folder that has the same name as the benign file, and the contents of the folder (which may include executable content) are processed during an attempt to access only the benign file. This was exploited in the wild in April through October 2023.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Aug 24, 2023 | Sep 14, 2023 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Jul 10, 2023 | Sep 14, 2023 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Aug 24, 2023 | Sep 14, 2023 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Aug 24, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| WinrarRarlab | See advisory | 6.23 |
Patched Releases
Winrar
6.23
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jul 10, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Aug 24, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Aug 24, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Aug 24, 2023
Publicly disclosed
Sep 21, 2023
Last updated
Aug 5, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-345 Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity
- CWE-351 Insufficient Type Distinction
References
- advisoryhttps://github.com/HDCE-inc/CVE-2023-38831
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-38831
- advisoryhttps://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/exploring-winrar-vulnerability-cve-2023-38831/
- advisoryUSOM advisory
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/174573/WinRAR-Remote-Code-Execution.html
FAQ
Common Questions.
RARLAB WinRAR before 6.23 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when a user attempts to view a benign file within a ZIP archive.
Affected: Winrar (Rarlab). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 10, 2023 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Aug 24, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Sep 14, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Winrar 6.23.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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