Understanding CVE-2024-35202: Vulnerability in Bitcoin Core Pre-25.0
Overview of CVE-2024-35202
CVE-2024-35202 is a significant vulnerability found in Bitcoin Core versions prior to 25.0. This vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger a denial of service attack through a crafted blocktxn message. Specifically, it occurs when transactions are included in a blocktxn message that are not committed to a block's merkle root. As a result, an assertion failure in handling blocktxn messages can lead Bitcoin nodes to exit unexpectedly.
Technical Details
The vulnerability is identified by the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) as CWE-770, which addresses allocation of resources without limits or throttling. According to the CVSS v3.1 scoring system, CVE-2024-35202 has a base score of 7.5, indicating its high severity. The scope remains unchanged, meaning the vulnerability directly impacts the availability of the system without affecting other connected systems.
Key vectors and impacts include:
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- User Interaction: None required
- Privileges Required: None
- Availability Impact: High
Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-35202, organizations and individuals using Bitcoin Core should consider the following steps:
- Upgrade Bitcoin Core: The most effective way to mitigate this vulnerability is to update Bitcoin Core to version 25.0 or later. This updated version includes the necessary patches to address the flaw.
- Implement Network Monitoring: Monitor network traffic for unusual activities and implement intrusion detection and prevention systems to flag potentially malicious blocktxn messages.
- Enhanced Logging and Alerts: Configure extensive logging and set up alerts for unexpected node behaviors to detect any anomalous activity promptly.
For further technical details, you can review resources such as the official Bitcoin Core 25.0 release notes and the vulnerability disclosure at Bitcoin Core's website.
In conclusion, addressing CVE-2024-35202 promptly will enhance the resilience of Bitcoin Core nodes against denial of service attacks, ensuring smoother and more reliable operation of the Bitcoin network.
