| Name | Win32/Parite |
| Type | Non-essential Windows Process, .exe |
| Short Description | WinRAR.exe is not a malicious process but it can be exploited by malware and viruses. |
| Symptoms | All portable EXE and SCR files on local and shared network drives can be infected. |
| Distribution Method | Pirated software, infected pages, social engineering, etc. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Win32/Parite |
In some cases, executable files can be dangerous to the system. Security research indicates that the WinRAR.exe has been infected by malware. Analysis by HerdProtect shows that 45 out of 68 AV solutions detect a virus in the process. Therefore, users that have WinRAR.exe running in the TaskManager may want to take actions to determine whether their systems are compromised or not.
WinRAR.exe File Description and Location
WinRAR.exe belongs to the well-known file archiver and compressor utility for Windows. The program is used widely and is often preferred over other archivers on the market. However, latest security analysis reveals that malware exploits the primary executable of the program.
File.net specifies that the executable is not essential to the Windows operating system and can cause problems. The .exe is typically located in a subfolder of C:\Program Files. The file may have different variants in size. Some experts believe that if the file is located in C:\Windows\System32 folder, it may be quite dangerous. The risk level for this location is above 90%. Furthermore, in the context of malware, WinRAR.exe can hide and monitor applications.
If WinRAR.exe is situated in the Windows Temp folder, its risk level is estimated at 74%. If WinRAR.exe is discovered in a subfolder of the user’s profile folder, the danger rate is above 60%.
Security Warning
Malware can mask itself as WinRAR.exe, especially when located in C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Various types of threats can be exploiting the process.
Moreover, as written in the beginning, recent AV research reveals that WinRAR.exe is infected by a virus known as Win32/Parite. Actually, it is a family of polymorphic file infectors that target computers running Microsoft Windows. As explained by Microsoft Malware Protection Center, The virus attacks .exe and .scr files on the local file system and writeable network shares. Then, the infected executable files perform operations that cause other .exe and .scr files to become infected.
Here is a list of variable detection names:
- BitdefenderWin32.Parite.B
- ESET NOD32 – Win32/Parite.B virus
- F-Secure – Win32.Parite.B
- Kaspersky – Virus.Win32.Parite
- McAfee – Virus.W32/Pate.b
- Trend Micro – PE_PARITE.A
- SophosVirus – ‘W32/Parite-B’
WinRAR.exe Removal Options
The high exploitation rate of the process requires a full system scan. To determine if it is infected by a type of malware or virus, seek professional assistance.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
