CVE-2025-14308
📋 TL;DR
An integer overflow vulnerability in Robocode's Buffer class write method allows attackers to manipulate data length, potentially causing buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution. This affects Robocode version 1.9.3.6 users who process untrusted input through the vulnerable method. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Robocode
📦 What is this software?
Robocode by Robocode
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with highest privileges, allowing attackers to take full control of the system, install malware, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Application crash or denial of service, with potential for limited code execution depending on memory layout and exploit sophistication.
If Mitigated
Application crash without code execution if memory protections like ASLR/DEP are effective, but availability impact remains.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires crafting specific inputs to trigger the integer overflow, but no public exploit code is currently available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check GitHub pull request #70 for fix
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/robo-code/robocode/pull/70
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review the fix in GitHub pull request #70
2. Apply the patch to your Robocode installation
3. Recompile if using source code
4. Restart any running Robocode instances
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input validation and sanitization
allImplement strict input validation to reject malformed data before it reaches the Buffer.write method
Memory protection controls
allEnable DEP/ASLR and other memory protection mechanisms at the OS level
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate Robocode instances in restricted network segments with no internet access
- Implement strict application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Robocode version - if it's exactly 1.9.3.6 and processes external input, it's vulnerableCheck Version:
Check Robocode documentation or about dialog for version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the Buffer.write method includes proper length validation checks as shown in GitHub PR #70📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes with memory access violations
- Unusual process behavior or unexpected child processes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network connections from Robocode process
- Suspicious payloads being sent to Robocode
SIEM Query:
Process creation events from Robocode executable OR memory violation alerts involving Robocode