Unauthenticated network access to MCP HTTP tools in Gearboy emulator
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Network
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- Security bypass
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- Low · High · Low
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CNA. Fix status from CNA. Impact type from CWE-306.
Summary
Gearboy before 3.8.7 has an optional MCP HTTP mode that listens on all network interfaces and accepts unauthenticated requests, despite documentation describing it as localhost only (CWE-306). A remote attacker who can reach the port can start an MCP session and invoke emulator and debugging operations. The reported impact is limited to the emulator process, its debugging state, and local media files.
Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-11-03
Description from the CNA
Gearboy is a Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Super Game Boy emulator and debugger with an embedded MCP server. Gearsystem, the affected component, has an optional `--mcp-http` mode that accepts unauthenticated MCP requests from any reachable network peer despite localhost-only documentation and logging. In the described `platforms/shared/desktop/mcp/mcp_transport.h` transport, the socket binds `INADDR_ANY`, normally on port 7777, and POST requests to `/mcp` reach dispatch without `Authorization`, `Host`, or `Origin` checks. Responses and OPTIONS advertise `Access-Control-Allow-Origin: *`. A peer can initialize an MCP session and invoke exposed emulator/debugging operations; even a garbage bearer token does not block dispatch, while a loopback-bind negative control prevents network access. The reported impact is bounded to the emulator process, debugging state, and local files accepted as media, rather than demonstrated host code execution. Gearboy 3.8.7 contains a patch.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- Poc
- Automatable
- Yes
- Technical impact
- Partial
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
Remediation
Update Gearboy to version 3.8.7 or later, which contains the patch.
Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-11-03
- Fix · CNA Gearboy (drhelius) Fixed in 3.8.7
Timeline
- 2026-10-28 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-61542
- 2026-10-30 Priority changed: MEDIUM → LOW
- 2026-11-03 CISA SSVC decision points changed
- 2026-11-03 Priority changed: LOW → HIGH
References
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences