got the Wii U titles and offline forever while it tries to resolve security issues. “This network service is currently unavailable due to urgent maintenance required to fix a vulnerability related to online play,” read a post on Nintendo’s website at 11:30PM ET on Thursday. “We do not yet have information on when network services will be restored. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
as VGC note, the vulnerability may be related to an exploit that allows an attacker to take control of the victim’s system simply by matching them in an online multiplayer game. Dataminer OatmealDome proposed the issue is “almost certainly” caused by ENLBufferPwn.
Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS was previously vulnerable to that exploit. Many Switch games are also apparent, incl Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nintendo Switch Sports and Splatoon 2 and 3. Nintendo seems to patch all titles to protect them against exploitation.
A posted by YouTuber PabloMK7 in December shows ENLBufferPwn in action Mario Kart 7. It is used to inject custom firmware into the targeted console. PabloMK7 that it “could theoretically be possible” to steal an account or credit card information and record a victim using the 3DS’ mic and camera.
With nearly 8.5 million copies sold, Mario Kart 8 is the biggest selling game in . The original Splatoon almost 5 million were sold. Those who are still playing the games on the discontinued system may be disappointed that online features are currently unavailable, but it seems that Nintendo has little choice but to bring them offline for now.
The issue surfaced just a few weeks before Nintendo. After March 27, owners of the systems will no longer be able to make purchases on digital storefronts, but they will still be able to download titles they previously purchased. Meanwhile, Nintendo just revealed the latest courses that as part of the Booster Course Pass.
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