CVE-2025-60835 in IZArc
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2026
An issue in the unrar.dll component of IZArc v4.6 allows attackers to execute a path traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2026
The vulnerability exists within the unrar.dll library component of IZArc version 4.6, representing a critical path traversal flaw that enables unauthorized directory traversal operations during archive extraction processes. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the decompression functionality, allowing maliciously crafted archive files to manipulate file paths and potentially overwrite system files or execute arbitrary code in the context of the running application. The vulnerability specifically affects how the unrar.dll component handles file path resolution when extracting compressed archives, particularly those containing specially crafted filenames that contain directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\.
From a technical perspective, the flaw manifests when the application processes archive contents without properly validating the absolute or relative paths specified within compressed files. Attackers can construct malicious archives that contain entries with path traversal sequences in their filenames, causing the extraction process to write files outside of the intended target directory. This vulnerability operates at the file system level and can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms where users might unknowingly extract malicious archives. The underlying technical mechanism involves improper path normalization and validation routines that fail to detect or sanitize traversal sequences embedded within archive entries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling complete system compromise when combined with other attack techniques. An attacker who successfully exploits this path traversal vulnerability could overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into legitimate applications, or create backdoor access points within the target environment. The risk is particularly elevated in enterprise environments where users may extract archives from untrusted sources, and the vulnerability can be leveraged to escalate privileges or establish persistent access. This flaw directly relates to common attack patterns documented in the attack mitigation framework where path traversal vulnerabilities serve as initial access vectors for more sophisticated attacks, often classified under CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively, beginning with immediate patching of affected IZArc installations and updating the unrar.dll component to versions that properly validate file paths during extraction. System administrators should configure application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of archive extraction utilities from untrusted sources and implement network-level controls to prevent download of potentially malicious archives. Organizations should also establish comprehensive monitoring procedures to detect unusual file system modifications or unexpected directory traversal activities within their environments. The vulnerability's impact aligns with attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and privilege escalation categories, where path traversal serves as a foundational technique for lateral movement and persistence establishment. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at the application level and ensuring that all file operations occur within restricted sandboxed environments can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.
The remediation approach should prioritize immediate software updates from IZArc vendors to address the specific path traversal flaw in unrar.dll component, while also establishing long-term security controls including regular vulnerability assessments of third-party libraries and components. Organizations must also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in third-party components, particularly those handling file system operations and user-provided input data, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle and adherence to established security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.