Cybersecurity experts have identified a critical flaw in some versions of the file compression app, which could put your Windows computer at risk.
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If you have a Windows computer, it is very likely that you have WinRAR installed, one of the oldest apps on the internet. It’s practical, lightweight, and has been around for decades, making it an almost essential tool for anyone who works with compressed files in formats such as .zip, .rar, or .7z.
But if you’ve been using it for a while and haven’t updated it lately, you should pay attention. Cybersecurity experts have detected a vulnerability that affects older versions of this app and that could be exploited by cybercriminals to access your computer without you knowing.
What does this imply? Basically, you could be opening the door for someone to steal your passwords, access your photos, personal documents, work files, or even control your computer remotely. All without your antivirus detecting it and without you receiving any warning.
A security breach that can leave you completely exposed
It’s worth noting that the threat affects all versions of WinRAR prior to 7.11 , and the worrying thing is that many users don’t even know which version they have installed. The problem lies in how the app handles certain files downloaded from the Internet, especially those containing symbolic links (files that point to other files within the system).
Windows typically assigns these files a Mark of the Web (MotW) label, which indicates that the content is potentially dangerous. This flag triggers security warnings when you try to open the file, giving you the opportunity to decide whether to run it.
However, WinRAR—in older versions—does not respect this protection. When you open a compressed document with symbolic links to dangerous executables, you won’t receive any warnings, and what’s worse, the malicious file may be automatically executed without your consent .
This makes compression software an ideal backdoor for hackers to distribute malware undetected, which can be very dangerous, especially since they can access everything you store on your hard drive.
From stealing login credentials and infecting you with ransomware (locking your computer and demanding a ransom) to using your system as part of a computer network to attack other victims. If you work with documents, access online banking, or manage confidential data, the consequences can be devastating.
The solution is simpler than you think
The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to protect yourself. If you have WinRAR running a version prior to 7.11, simply update the application from its official website . Doing so fixes the security vulnerability and other minor bugs that may affect the program’s performance.
This update eliminates the flaw in handling symbolic links and ensures that dangerous files downloaded from the Internet are opened safely , with appropriate warnings enabled.
Don’t wait until you notice strange signs or until it’s too late. Updating WinRAR can mean the difference between keeping your data protected or exposing yourself to hacking. And since many people still use older versions without knowing it, these types of errors can become a nightmare for thousands of unsuspecting users.
What is WinRAR, and why can it be a threat?
WinRAR is a file compression and decompression tool that allows you to reduce the size of files or combine multiple files into a single file. It’s useful for sending documents via email, freeing up hard drive space , or sharing content on the cloud.
Since its launch in the 1990s, it has gained popularity for its efficiency, low resource consumption, and compatibility with multiple formats. However, that same popularity has made it an attractive target for cybercriminals.
Most users download compressed files from unknown sources without considering the risks. And if the WinRAR version has security flaws like this, the files may contain disguised scripts, executables, or shortcuts that run malicious code without your knowledge.
The attacker doesn’t need physical access to your computer: all you need to do is open an infected file. This is why keeping your app updated isn’t just a matter of performance but also of security. As with any software, updates are a necessity these days.
