libretro RetroArch file_stream.c filestream_vscanf out-of-bounds
Priority MEDIUM 55CWE-119Published · Updated
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Local
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Attack requirements
- None
- Impact type
- —
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- Low · Low · Low
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 4.0 · CNA. Fix status from CNA.
Summary
A flaw has been found in libretro RetroArch 1.18.0/1.19.0/1.20.0. This affects the function filestream_vscanf of the file libretro-common/streams/file_stream.c. This manipulation causes out-of-bounds read. The attack needs to be launched locally. Upgrading to version 1.21.0 mitigates this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.
Why it matters now
Exploitation Proof of concept CISA SSVC · not in CISA KEV
EPSS 0.00205 10th percentileScored 2026-11-07
Fix Fixed RetroArch (libretro): 1.21.0
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- Poc
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Partial
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| libretro | RetroArch | 1.18.0; 1.19.0; 1.20.0 | 1.21.0 | Patch available | CNA |
- RetroArch Vendorlibretro Affected 1.18.0; 1.19.0; 1.20.0 Fixed in 1.21.0 Patch available CNA
Remediation
- Fix · CNA RetroArch (libretro) Fixed in 1.21.0
Vendor assessments
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2025-9136
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-6fq3-c5x5-4x7c
References
More libretro Retroarch vulnerabilities
- TI-2021-09867 The text-to-speech engine in libretro RetroArch for Windows 1.9.0 passes unsanitized… CVSS 3.1HIGH 7.8
Sources
- CVE-2025-9136 · CVE Program
- CVE-2025-9136 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-6fq3-c5x5-4x7c · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
- CVE-2025-9136 · Red Hat security data · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences