Call of Duty Takes PC Game Offline After Multiple Reports of RCE Attacks on Players

The popular first-person shooter franchise Call of Duty has taken a significant hit this week after Activision temporarily pulled the PC version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) offline. The move follows multiple alarming reports of RCE (Remote Code Execution) attacks targeting players in public multiplayer lobbies.

The vulnerability, which allows attackers to remotely execute malicious code on a player’s system without their knowledge or consent, raised serious security concerns among the Call of Duty PC community. The issue primarily affects players using the original Steam version of MW2, a game still cherished for its classic multiplayer experience.

What Is Remote Code Execution (RCE) and Why It’s Dangerous?

Remote Code Execution (RCE) is a critical cyber vulnerability that enables hackers to run arbitrary code on a victim's computer—without physical access. In the context of online gaming, this could allow attackers to install malware, steal data, or take full control of a user's system.

This isn’t just about cheating software or multiplayer hacks. It’s a serious game security breach with potential real-world consequences.

Gamers affected by the RCE exploit began reporting suspicious activity on social forums like Reddit and Twitter. Some claimed their games were crashing or behaving abnormally after joining certain lobbies. A few even reported background system processes acting strangely—clear signs of remote tampering.

Activision's Official Response

In response to growing public concern, Activision quickly acknowledged the issue and disabled online matchmaking for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on PC. A spokesperson stated:

“We’re aware of reports of remote code execution exploits affecting legacy Call of Duty titles on PC. Out of an abundance of caution, we have taken the affected game offline while we investigate the issue and implement necessary security updates.”

The publisher did not provide a timeline for when PC servers would be restored but assured fans that protecting players' safety and data is a top priority.

This Isn’t the First Time

While this is the most recent and widely reported RCE attack in Call of Duty, it’s not the first. In 2023, similar vulnerabilities were reported in Black Ops II and World at War, both older titles still played through Steam. At the time, community modders and third-party devs attempted to patch the game unofficially while Activision was slow to respond.

Cybersecurity experts have long warned about the lack of updates on legacy titles, especially those using peer-to-peer networking instead of dedicated servers. This architecture can make older games particularly vulnerable to exploits.

What Players Can Do to Stay Safe

Until Activision fully resolves the ongoing RCE vulnerability in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) for PC, players are strongly advised to take precautionary measures to protect both their systems and personal data. Remote code execution is not just a gameplay nuisance—it’s a serious cybersecurity threat that could expose your files, credentials, and device integrity.

Here are several important steps you should follow:

1. Avoid Launching Legacy Titles

If you have Call of Duty: MW2 (2009) or other older PC titles installed—especially those from the Steam library—avoid launching them for now. Even idling in the main menu or joining public multiplayer lobbies can put your system at risk due to unpatched vulnerabilities.

2. Uninstall or Disable Online Features Temporarily

To be extra cautious, consider uninstalling the affected game entirely or disabling internet access for that specific application. This ensures the game cannot make outgoing or incoming connections that could be hijacked by malicious actors exploiting the RCE vulnerability.

3. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Tools

Run a full system scan using a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program. Tools like Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, or Bitdefender can detect suspicious processes or programs that may have been installed through remote code execution. Enable real-time protection and make sure your virus definitions are fully up to date.

4. Monitor System Behavior

If you've recently played the game before the servers were taken offline, watch for any unusual activity on your system. This could include:

Slower system performance

Unrecognized processes in Task Manager

Unusual network activity

Frequent crashes or pop-up messages

Any of these could be signs that unauthorized code has been executed.

5. Avoid Unofficial Fixes or Community Mods

While the community often offers patches or “fixes,” downloading unofficial files can be risky. Some mods claiming to solve security issues may themselves be embedded with malware. Until Activision releases an official security patch, avoid installing any third-party software—even if it comes highly recommended in forums.

6. Secure Your Online Accounts

If you logged into Activision, Steam, or Battle.net accounts recently, consider updating your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. If malicious actors gained access to your system, your login credentials could be compromised.

7. Follow Official Updates from Activision

Keep an eye on official Activision and Call of Duty social media channels or forums for real-time updates. The company is actively investigating the issue and will likely release announcements, patches, or guidance for players once a fix is in place.

8. Use a Firewall and Limit Inbound Traffic

Advanced users can use their firewall to block inbound traffic to the game’s executable file or set up network rules to prevent unauthorized access. This offers an extra layer of protection while you wait for the official fix.

Looking Ahead: Should Players Be Worried?

This incident underscores the growing cybersecurity challenges in online gaming. With the rise of live service models, even older titles remain connected and, therefore, exploitable. Players and publishers alike must take multiplayer vulnerabilities seriously—not just for gameplay fairness but for personal digital safety.

Activision has yet to announce whether this incident will push them to permanently patch older games or offer remastered, secure servers for legacy Call of Duty experiences.

For now, vigilance is key.