Uncommon Executable Written to Startup Folder by WinRAR via CVE-2025-8088 Path Traversal (via file_event)

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1204.002Malicious File
Persistence
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Priv Esc
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects WinRAR writing an executable into the user Startup folder, the persistence outcome of the CVE-2025-8088 alternate-data-stream path-traversal flaw abused in the Paper Werewolf campaign to auto-run its payload at logon. A decompression tool dropping a binary into a logon-autostart location is highly abnormal and indicates exploitation of the extractor.

Reporting behind it

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Uncommon Executable Written to Startup Folder by WinRAR via CVE-2025-8088 Path Traversal (via file_event)

Pivot detection · T1204.002 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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