How does Bitdefender handle archived files?

shamz

I was wondering how Bitdefender handles archived files (7z, rar, zip, etc.). When performing a deep scan, does Bitdefender extract these files to scan?

I got a threat detection inside a 7z file when performing a deep scan using Bitdefender. When the threat is inside the 7z file, it is inert. However, for Bitdefender to properly scan it, it would have to be extracted, right? Hence, the extracted (temporary) file would have the potential to infect the computer, right? How does Bitdefender handle it?

AmrFromEgypt

When Bitdefender performs a deep scan, it does indeed extract archive files—such as 7z, rar, zip, and others—to inspect their contents thoroughly. However, this extraction isn’t done in the same way that a user might manually extract an archive. Instead, the process is tightly controlled and sandboxed, meaning that the files are decompressed either in memory or in a secure temporary location that is isolated from the rest of your operating system.

Here’s what happens in greater detail:

1. Secure Extraction Environment: Bitdefender extracts the contents of an archive within an isolated environment. This means any files, even if they contain malware, are not allowed to interact with the system in a harmful way. The extraction is conducted in a “sandbox” or a restricted temporary folder where execution of code is heavily controlled. This design ensures that even if Bitdefender detects a threat inside the archive, the potential for that threat to actively infect or spread within your computer is minimized.
2. Inert Threat Behavior: In your case, you noticed that the threat inside the 7z file was reported as inert. This is an important safety feature. Although the scanning process requires temporary extraction of the file content to analyze it, Bitdefender makes sure that the extracted file isn’t inadvertently executed. The threat is neutralized (or quarantined) based on its behavior and signature without ever granting it an opportunity to run its code and infect your system.
3. Temporary Nature of Extraction: The extracted files exist only momentarily during the scanning process. They are stored in designated temporary or sandboxed locations that are tightly managed by Bitdefender. Once the scan is complete and a decision is reached (whether that be deleting, quarantining, or flagging the threat), these temporary files are disposed of securely. This minimizes any risk that the extracted malware could later be triggered.
4. Industry-Standard Practice: This method of scanning is common among leading antivirus solutions. Extracting the contents of compressed archives allows the scanner to find hidden malware without allowing the threat to “escape” into the main system environment. By controlling the extraction and immediately isolating or removing any malicious files, Bitdefender ensures that your computer remains protected throughout the scan.

In summary, while Bitdefender must extract files from archives to perform a comprehensive deep scan, it does so in an isolated and secure manner. The design of this process prevents any temporary extraction from translating into an infection risk. Even if a malware signature is found within an archive, the file remains inert—handled in quarantine or deleted—rather than allowed to run and compromise your system.

If you’re curious about the range of archive files supported or how similar protective measures are implemented in other aspects of Bitdefender’s scanning processes, there’s additional detailed documentation available on Bitdefender’s support pages and business tools. This close attention to security during scanning is one of the key reasons why users can confidently use Bitdefender even with potentially dangerous files nested inside archives.

Greetings to you, stay safe.