One of the most beloved online games, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, has fallen victim to a potentially dangerous self-replicating malware, according to a recent report by TechCrunch. The 2009 title, still cherished by a passionate fanbase, has been targeted by a worm capable of spreading automatically within online lobbies.
In response to the threat, publisher Activision has taken the game’s multiplayer mode offline while conducting a thorough investigation. The malware was first detected and reported in June 2023 by a user on the game’s Steam forum, where it was revealed that hackers were utilizing compromised lobbies to launch their attacks.
Initial analysis indicates that the malware operates as a worm, exploiting security vulnerabilities in the game’s application code, allowing it to bypass typical safeguards surrounding code injection. Once it infiltrates a game lobby, the malware executes localized code, infecting the machines of all users accessing the compromised session.
As of now, the issue seems to be affecting only PC versions of the game. However, with recent announcements regarding backwards compatibility, the title may have become a more attractive target for hackers and scammers alike.
Players and anyone else who has accessed the game since June 2023 are strongly advised to run an antivirus or other security scan immediately to protect their systems from potential harm.
This incident is not the first time Activision has faced cyberattacks. In December 2022, the company fell victim to a major breach in which nearly 20,000 employee records, including sensitive personal information, were stolen and published online. The data, allegedly taken from Activision’s content delivery network Azure, was made available for free on a popular hacking forum.
As Activision continues its investigation and addresses the security concerns surrounding Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, players and fans remain hopeful for a swift resolution, ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for all.
