CVE-2025-52331 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the generate report functionality of WinRAR version 7.11. The vulnerability arises because the generate report command includes archived file names directly into an HTML report without proper input validation or sanitization. Malicious actors can craft archive file names containing HTML or JavaScript code, which when included in the report, execute in the context of the user's environment upon opening the report. This can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information such as the computer's username, the directory where the report is generated, and the user's IP address. The attack requires user interaction: the user must invoke the generate report feature and then open the generated HTML report file. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild and no patches have been released, the vulnerability poses a risk of information leakage and potential further exploitation if combined with other attack vectors. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability has not yet been fully assessed, but the technical details suggest a moderate to high risk due to the sensitive nature of the information exposed and the ease of injecting malicious content via file names.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user and system information, which may facilitate further targeted attacks such as spear phishing or network reconnaissance. Organizations with high usage of WinRAR 7.11, especially in sectors handling sensitive or personal data (e.g., finance, healthcare, government), may face increased risk of data leakage. The requirement for user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments where users frequently generate and open reports. The exposure of internal IP addresses and usernames could aid attackers in mapping internal networks or escalating privileges. Additionally, organizations with strict data protection regulations such as GDPR must consider the implications of such data leakage and the potential for regulatory penalties if personal data is exposed.

1. Avoid using the generate report functionality in WinRAR 7.11 until a patch is released. 2. Educate users about the risks of opening generated reports, especially those containing archive file names from untrusted sources. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on file names before including them in reports, if customization or scripting is possible. 4. Monitor and restrict the use of WinRAR 7.11 in sensitive environments or replace it with alternative archiving tools that do not exhibit this vulnerability. 5. Employ endpoint security solutions that can detect and block suspicious HTML or script execution from local files. 6. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly address any exploitation attempts. 7. Regularly audit and review user activities involving report generation to detect anomalous behavior. 8. Follow vendor communications closely for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available.