CVE-2026-82079

Potential Leakage of Nintendo Switch System Information Through a Proximity-Based Remote Attack

Published: Sep 10, 2026Updated: Sep 11, 2026 Sources: CVE List NVDCWE-121

8.4HIGH

Description

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Nintendo Switch local wireless networking functionality may allow an attacker within wireless range to execute arbitrary code using return-oriented programming (ROP) through crafted network traffic. This issue affects Nintendo Switch: before 23.0.0.

In plain language

AI Act now

Nintendo Switch consoles before 23.0.0 need attention because someone nearby may be able to take control without your help.

Executive summary

A stack-based buffer overflow in Nintendo Switch local wireless networking can enable unauthenticated arbitrary code execution through crafted nearby wireless traffic.

If affected, business impact

Console takeoverSaved-data exposureService disruptionMalicious software execution

What to do now

On each Nintendo Switch, open System Settings and check the current system version.
Update any console below 23.0.0 using System Update.
Until updated, avoid using affected wireless features near untrusted people and keep the console out of wireless range of strangers.

Usually a quick update

What is it

This is a flaw in the console’s nearby wireless communications that can let a person close to the device send harmful data. It is like a nearby stranger finding a way to force open a service door and take control of the building rather than simply looking through a window.

Who is affected

This matters to you if you use or run a Nintendo Switch, including consoles used for business entertainment, events, customer areas, or staff use. No account sign-in or action from the person using the console is needed; it is only a risk when an attacker is within wireless range of the device.

How urgent is it

A nearby attacker can attempt to take control of the console without a login or user action, so this is a red-priority update. There is no confirmed public exploitation report or public exploit code, but update affected consoles as soon as practical because the potential impact is full device control.

What to do — in detail

Confirm exposure by checking each console’s installed system version in System Settings. Upgrade all affected Nintendo Switch consoles to 23.0.0 through the vendor’s System Update process; no separate version branches or compatibility-breaking changes are identified in the findings.

If updating is delayed, reduce exposure by keeping consoles away from untrusted people within wireless range and avoiding the affected nearby wireless use cases, including “Send to Smartphone” in Album and kart use in Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, where practical. Watch for unexpected crashes or abnormal behavior during nearby wireless use, and preserve relevant console details for support if they occur.

CISA has not added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, so there is no CISA remediation due date listed.

Technical context

CVE-2026-82079 is rated CVSS 8.4 (High). The reported weakness is CWE-121, a stack-based buffer overflow in local wireless networking; crafted traffic from an attacker within wireless range may cause a crash or arbitrary code execution, with the technical description noting return-oriented programming. No authentication or user interaction is required, while default reachability is not known. CISA KEV does not list this CVE, no clear dated report confirms exploitation in the wild, and no public exploit code is on record. EPSS estimates a 0.2% likelihood (5th percentile) with a flat trend.

This is a general assessment based on public vulnerability data. It does not account for your specific infrastructure — when in doubt, consult a security specialist.

CVSS Vector Breakdown

Exploitability

AV:LAttack Vector

Local

AC:LAttack Complexity

Low

PR:NPrivileges Required

None

UI:NUser Interaction

None

Scope

S:UScope

Unchanged

Impact

C:HConfidentiality

High

I:HIntegrity

High

A:HAvailability

High

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Weaknesses

CWE-121

Affected Products

Nintendo

commercial·JP

Nintendo SwitchEmbedded

Consumer Software / gaming

Exploitability

Official Patch Available

Workaround Available

Is your org exposed to CVE-2026-82079?Request an assessment to establish which checks are appropriate for your systems. Check my exposure

Attack Graph

Products CVE Techniques Tactics

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MITRE ATT&CK

1 technique

Privilege Escalation

View detailed technique mapping

References

https://www.nintendo.com/security-advisories/en/index.html

nintendo.com

News mentions

⚡ Weekly Recap: Cisco 0-Day, AI Agent RCE, ClickFix Attacks, ClickFix Surge, and Browser Hijacks
en·The Hacker News·Sep 21, 2026 Exploited Cisco Identity Services Engine zero-day

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