CVE-2025-29366 is a security vulnerability identified in mupen64plus version 2.6.0, an open-source Nintendo 64 emulator widely used for gaming and development purposes. The vulnerability arises from an array overflow in the functions write_rdram_regs. This overflow can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the host machine running the emulator. An array overflow typically occurs when a program writes more data to an array than it can hold, leading to memory corruption. In this case, the overflow in write_rdram_regs allows an attacker to overwrite critical memory regions, potentially injecting and executing malicious code. The vulnerability does not have a CVSS score assigned yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date. The affected version is specifically noted as v2.6.0, but no other versions are listed, which may indicate limited scope or incomplete version data. Exploitation likely requires the victim to run the vulnerable emulator and process crafted input or data that triggers the overflow. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it can lead to full compromise of the host system, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running mupen64plus. This elevates the risk significantly, especially if the emulator is run with elevated privileges or on systems with sensitive data. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be available, emphasizing the need for caution and mitigation.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the usage of mupen64plus within their environments. While mupen64plus is primarily a gaming emulator, it can be used in educational, development, or testing contexts. If used on corporate or organizational systems, exploitation could lead to unauthorized command execution, potentially resulting in data breaches, system compromise, or lateral movement within networks. The arbitrary command execution capability poses a high risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Although the emulator is not a typical enterprise software, the risk increases if attackers target users who run the emulator on workstations connected to corporate networks. Additionally, if the emulator is used on shared or multi-user systems, the vulnerability could be leveraged to escalate privileges or implant persistent malware. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details become widely known. European organizations with lax endpoint security or those that allow installation of non-standard software may be more vulnerable. The potential for arbitrary command execution makes this vulnerability critical in scenarios where the emulator is run with elevated privileges or on sensitive systems.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting the use of mupen64plus v2.6.0 on organizational systems, especially those connected to sensitive networks or containing critical data. 2. Users should be advised to avoid running the vulnerable version until a patch is released. 3. Monitor and control software installations via endpoint management solutions to prevent unauthorized installation of vulnerable emulator versions. 4. Employ application whitelisting to restrict execution of unapproved software, including mupen64plus. 5. Use sandboxing or containerization techniques to isolate the emulator from critical system resources, limiting the impact of potential exploitation. 6. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit the spread of any compromise originating from a vulnerable host. 7. Maintain up-to-date antivirus and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting abnormal behaviors associated with exploitation attempts. 8. Once a patch is available, prioritize timely deployment across all affected systems. 9. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted or outdated software and encourage reporting of suspicious behavior. 10. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar risks proactively.