Scam Alert: The “Weaponized Whitepaper” – Critical WinRAR/7-Zip Flaw

Category: ShieldGuard Learn / Scam Prevention

Urgency: 🔴 Critical (Patch Immediately)

Executive Summary

A new, high-severity exploitation campaign was detected on February 9, 2026. Hackers are actively targeting the crypto community with malicious compressed files (.rar and .7z) disguised as “Project Whitepapers,” “Presale Decks,” or “Investment Contracts.”

The Risk: Opening these files on an unpatched version of WinRAR or 7-Zip triggers a remote code execution vulnerability. This installs a background keylogger or wallet drainer without you ever clicking an .exe file.

1. The Attack Vector: “Hidden in Plain Sight”

In the past, you had to make a mistake (like clicking virus.exe) to get infected. This new exploit weaponizes the archive software itself.

• The Lure: You receive a DM or email from a “founder” or “investor” sharing a file: ShieldGuard_Pitch_Deck.rar.
• The Glitch: When you open the archive to view the PDF inside, a vulnerability in the parsing logic (how the software reads the file) executes malicious code in your computer’s memory.
• The Payload: The exploit silently drops a Keylogger or Clipboard Hijacker into your Windows Startup folder. You see the PDF open normally, but your machine is already compromised.

2. Who is being targeted?

This campaign is specifically targeting:

1. Crypto Founders & Devs: Lured with “Partnership Proposals” or “VC Term Sheets.”
2. Presale Investors: Lured with “Early Access Decks” for hyped token launches.
3. Influencers: Lured with “Sponsorship Contracts.”

3. Immediate Action Plan

If you have WinRAR or 7-Zip installed, you must assume your version is vulnerable until updated.

Step 1: Update Immediately

• WinRAR Users: Open WinRAR -> Help -> About. If you are not on the absolute latest version released this week, go to rarlab.com and update.
• 7-Zip Users: Go to 7-zip.org and download the latest patch.

Step 2: The “Extension” Check

Hackers often use “Double Extensions” to trick you (e.g., Deck.pdf.exe).

• Enable File Extensions: In Windows File Explorer, go to View -> Check “File name extensions”.
• Rule: If a file ends in .scr, .com, .bat, or .cmd, delete it instantly.

4. ShieldGuard Defense Protocol

How to handle “Decks” safely:

1. Demand Web Links: legitimate projects share decks via DocSend, Google Slides, or hosted PDFs. Never accept a .rar or .zip file for a simple document.
2. The “Sandbox” Rule: If you must open a suspicious file, use a cloud-based sandbox like Any.run or VirusTotal. Upload the file there and let their servers open it first to check for malware.
3. Cold Wallet Separation: Never open “investment decks” on the same computer where you use your hardware wallet or store private keys.

Stay Safe.

A PDF should be a PDF. If it’s a RAR, it’s a Red Flag.