CVE-2019-15943 in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Summary
by MITRE
vphysics.dll in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive before 1.37.1.1 allows remote attackers to achieve code execution or denial of service by creating a gaming server and inviting a victim to this server, because a crafted map is mishandled during a memset call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15943 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the vphysics.dll component of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. This issue affects versions prior to 1.37.1.1 and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous gaming server mechanics can be exploited to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the game's networking and physics engine to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting victims.
The technical exploitation occurs when a remote attacker establishes a gaming server and invites a target user to join. The malicious payload is embedded within a crafted map file that triggers improper handling during a memset function call within the vphysics.dll module. This memory manipulation vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the game's physics simulation engine. The memset operation, which typically initializes memory blocks to a specific value, becomes a point of compromise when processing malformed map data. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with memory corruption vulnerabilities, specifically those categorized under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential denial of service scenarios that can disrupt gaming sessions and compromise user systems. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially enabling full system compromise. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond accepting an invitation to a gaming server, making it particularly dangerous in multiplayer gaming environments where social engineering can easily facilitate exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through the manipulation of application memory.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15943 require immediate patching of affected Counter-Strike: Global Offensive installations to version 1.37.1.1 or later. Network administrators should implement strict server access controls and consider disabling custom map loading features in gaming environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in gaming engines, particularly those handling user-generated content. Additionally, players should avoid accepting invitations to unknown or untrusted gaming servers and maintain updated client software to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual network traffic patterns associated with gaming server communications and potential exploitation attempts targeting the vphysics.dll module.