CVE-2025-33028
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Mark-of-the-Web bypass vulnerability in WinZip where extracted files from crafted archives don't inherit security zone metadata. Attackers could exploit this to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious files. The vulnerability affects WinZip users on Windows systems, though there is dispute about whether this is actually a security issue.
💻 Affected Systems
- WinZip
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Arbitrary code execution with current user privileges leading to full system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Limited malware execution if users open suspicious files from untrusted sources, potentially leading to credential theft or data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
No impact if users follow security best practices and avoid opening files from untrusted sources, or if additional security controls block execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction (opening malicious file), and there's ongoing dispute about whether this is actually exploitable as described.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.winzip.com/help/help_whatsnew.htm
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
Check WinZip's official website for updates. If a patch is released, download and install the latest version from the official vendor site.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable automatic archive extraction
windowsConfigure WinZip to not automatically extract files and require manual confirmation for all extractions.
Use alternative archive software
windowsTemporarily use 7-Zip, Windows built-in compression, or other archive tools until WinZip is updated.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized executable execution
- Educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and implement phishing awareness training
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WinZip version via Help > About. If version is 29.0 or earlier, the system may be vulnerable.Check Version:
Open WinZip, go to Help > About to view version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Update to a version later than 29.0 if available, then test with known safe archives containing Mark-of-the-Web files.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual archive extraction patterns
- Multiple file extractions from internet sources
- Executable files running from temporary directories
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of suspicious archive files from untrusted domains
SIEM Query:
Process creation events from WinZip.exe followed by execution of files from temporary or download directories