When a user opens "22793.rar" (or similar ACE-based exploits):
The flaw existed in unacev2.dll , a third-party library WinRAR used to unpack files. Path Traversal: Attackers could bypass folder restrictions.
The archive contains a file with a relative path like C:\Users\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\exploit.exe . 22793.rar
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 .
WinRAR failed to properly sanitize these paths, allowing the file to be written outside the intended extraction folder. ⚠️ Security Implications When a user opens "22793
For years, this was one of the most "reliable" ways for hackers to infect systems because: Users generally trust .rar files.
The file is an ACE archive renamed with a .rar extension to trick the user. WinRAR had over 500 million users when the bug was found
No complex exploit was needed; the Windows Startup folder handled the execution.
