The archive contains a file with a relative path like C:\Users\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\exploit.exe .
No complex exploit was needed; the Windows Startup folder handled the execution.
For years, this was one of the most "reliable" ways for hackers to infect systems because: Users generally trust .rar files. 22793.rar
The file is an ACE archive renamed with a .rar extension to trick the user.
The file is a well-known proof-of-concept (PoC) archive used to demonstrate a critical vulnerability in WinRAR (tracked as CVE-2018-20250 ). The archive contains a file with a relative
The flaw existed in unacev2.dll , a third-party library WinRAR used to unpack files. Path Traversal: Attackers could bypass folder restrictions.
WinRAR had over 500 million users when the bug was found. ✅ How to Stay Safe Update WinRAR: Ensure you are using version 5.70 or newer . The file is an ACE archive renamed with a
Always run an antivirus scan on archives from unknown sources. If you'd like, I can help you with: Analyzing a specific file you found with this name. Patching your system to ensure you aren't vulnerable. Finding the original research by Check Point Software.