This Call of Duty game just hit Xbox Game Pass, but it's infested with RCE hackers — I'd take cover and avoid playing until there's a fix
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft in late 2023 has been a game-changer for the gaming industry. As part of this massive deal, Activision Blizzard's popular Call of Duty franchise is now being slowly integrated into Xbox Game Pass, one of the most widely used buffet-style services in the world. The latest title to join the service is Call of Duty: WWII, which was launched on Monday.
For those who may not be aware, Xbox Game Pass offers access to a vast library of games for a flat monthly fee. While this can be an excellent value proposition, it's clear that Microsoft has been taking some risks by making these popular titles available to its users. As one would expect from such a large and influential service, however, comes the potential for security vulnerabilities.
RCE Hacks: A Growing Concern
Recently, widespread reports of RCE (Remote Code Execution) hacks have surfaced in Call of Duty: WWII's online multiplayer mode on Xbox Game Pass. For those unfamiliar with this term, RCE exploits allow hackers to execute code on another player's PC remotely, effectively giving them control over the victim's device.
While these types of hacks are not new to the gaming industry, they do pose a significant threat to players' personal data and hardware security. In recent years, we've seen instances where Dark Souls servers were taken down due to an RCE exploit, and now it seems that Call of Duty: WWII is facing similar issues.
Players Share Their Experiences
On social media platforms like Twitter, players have been sharing their experiences with the RCE hacks in Call of Duty: WWII. Some have posted screenshots and videos showcasing how the hacks work, which can be quite alarming. The game's freezing behavior, code running on the screen, and even error messages that suggest a PC shutdown are all red flags that something is seriously wrong.
User Wrioh shared a clip showing their game freezing after being killed by a hacker, while another user, TDAWG, received an image sent to them by a fan featuring an ominous message from an RCE hack. The concern level has been raised even higher by user Lasagne Manne, who claims to have obtained the source code for these exploits and warns that they're not just limited to Call of Duty: WWII.
Other Games May Be Vulnerable
Interestingly, Lasagne Manne suggests that other Call of Duty games may be vulnerable as well. This raises concerns about the long-term security implications of having multiple popular titles on the same platform. If Activision Blizzard's anti-cheat systems are not up to date, it could lead to a broader problem.
While we can't confirm the extent of these exploits at this point, it's clear that something needs to be done quickly to address the issue. Players have taken to social media to raise awareness about the potential dangers of playing Call of Duty: WWII on Game Pass, and some are even advising against playing the game online until a fix is released.
A Word from the Editor
As a journalist covering all things gaming and Windows PC, I must emphasize that player safety should always be the top priority. In light of these recent reports, I'd recommend avoiding playing Call of Duty: WWII on Game Pass until Activision Blizzard patches this apparent vulnerability.
If you're an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, there are plenty of other great games to explore in your library. And with the upcoming release of new titles and features, it's clear that Microsoft is committed to providing its users with an exceptional gaming experience.
Stay safe out there, gamers!
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Brendan Lowry Writer and Xbox Enthusiast
Follow me on Twitter: @brendanlowry