External risk intelligence

Robocode Integer Overflow Leading to Code Execution.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 10.0)

CVE-2025-14308

Robocode is a programming game used for educational purposes and competition simulations where users write tank AI code. It is a client-side desktop application, not an internet-facing service, gateway, or web application. Its deployment pattern involves local execution in an isolated development or gaming environment, making public internet exposure of this component extremely unlikely in standard use.

Integer Overflow

Robocode

1.9.3.6

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in a component of the Robocode software could allow for unauthorized code execution if specifically crafted inputs are submitted. This issue arises from how the software handles data length during writing operations, potentially leading to memory corruption. The main concern is confirming if this specific software is in use and if it is exposed to external inputs that could trigger the vulnerability.

An issue exists in how data length is handled.
Leadership should remember its potential for unauthorized code execution.
Confirm if this software is used and exposed.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted data to the affected component, manipulating the length of information being written. This manipulation could lead to an integer overflow, potentially resulting in a buffer overflow and allowing for arbitrary code execution.

No specific entry conditions are described.
Specially crafted input to the write method.
Arbitrary code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

An integer overflow vulnerability in the Buffer class's write method could allow for arbitrary code execution when specially crafted inputs manipulate data length. This occurs when the method fails to properly validate the length of data being written.

Robocode's buffer data could be affected.
Specially crafted inputs may trigger the overflow.
Arbitrary code execution could occur.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability impacts the Robocode application, likely managed by the application or platform owner responsible for the development or gaming environment. The first actionable step is to identify all instances of the affected technology, assess their exposure and criticality, and confirm the accountable owner before planning remediation.

Identify application owner and scope.
Verify reachability and criticality.
Plan remediation with vendor coordination.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Robocode?

Robocode is a programming game and simulation platform where users write AI logic to control virtual tanks in battle. It is designed for educational purposes and competitive coding, running as a client-side desktop application rather than a server-based service.

How does an integer overflow lead to a security risk in CVE-2025-14308?

This vulnerability stems from a CWE-190 weakness, where the software performs a calculation on data length that exceeds the capacity of its assigned memory container. Because the Buffer class fails to validate this length before writing, the resulting overflow can corrupt memory, which may allow an attacker to hijack the program's execution flow.

Does any specific action trigger this vulnerability?

The vulnerability is triggered when the affected Buffer class component processes specially crafted inputs that manipulate the data length during a write operation. Standard or benign data inputs that remain within expected size limits do not trigger this memory corruption issue.

Is my installation of Robocode at risk according to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo Surface Signal indicates that Robocode is a client-side tool used in isolated development or gaming environments, making it very unlikely to be exposed as an internet-facing service. The risk to your organization depends on whether you have bypassed these standard local execution patterns by connecting the client to an untrusted external network.

What should I do if I use Robocode?

Begin by creating an inventory of all systems where version 1.9.3.6 is installed to determine who owns the environment. Assess whether these instances interact with external data sources, then coordinate with the project maintainers to track updates or official guidance regarding the affected Buffer class.

References

github.com/robo-code/robocode/pull/70

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.