You should update WinRAR right away if you are using it. Use caution when dealing with this recently identified vulnerability.
When an application has a security flaw, it can hinder the system's ability to operate normally and give hackers a chance to take advantage of it. This is particularly valid in the case of a widely used application. With WinRAR, this is what occurs. There is a security flaw in this widely used file compression application. We will go over how it might impact you and what you can do to stay safe.
The vulnerability can be used to circumvent a security warning called the Mark of the Web, or MotW, according to the security researchers who found it. All versions of WinRAR are affected by this problem, but as we explain, you can get around it.
This vulnerability has a CVSS severity score of 6.8 and is registered as CVE-2025-31334. A Windows security feature called MotW, or Web Marking, could be circumvented by attackers if it were exploited. It is employed to flag files that have been downloaded from the internet as potentially fraudulent and dangerous.
An attacker might be able to run arbitrary code, for instance. They might cause a system malfunction or steal data. It is important to note that 7-Zip, a program that compresses files and is comparable to WinRAR, was recently found to have a similar vulnerability.
Despite not being categorized as high-risk, this vulnerability could be extremely problematic if an attacker were to take advantage of it. Consequently, it is critical to recognize the problem and take steps to address it. This will lessen the likelihood that your device will be taken over or that your personal information will be stolen.
How the issue can be resolved
What then ought to be done to resolve the issue? You must update WinRAR if it is already installed on your Windows computer. All versions are impacted by this problem, but version 7.11 has been released to address it. Therefore, confirm that you have installed at least that version.
Indeed, you should remember how important it is to stay updated from official sources. Downloading the software from a third-party website could be a scam and put your security at further risk, so be sure to download it from the official website instead. While browsing, be on the lookout for fraudulent messages that suggest an issue and the need for adjustments.
Lastly, confirm that WinRAR is up to date if it is installed on your Windows computer. Carefully check your version and ensure you're at least running version 7.11. This will help you avoid problems.