CVE-2017-14451 in libevm
Summary
by MITRE • 12/02/2020
An exploitable out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in libevm (Ethereum Virtual Machine) of CPP-Ethereum. A specially crafted smart contract code can cause an out-of-bounds read which can subsequently trigger an out-of-bounds write resulting in remote code execution. An attacker can create/send malicious smart contract to trigger this vulnerability.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14451 represents a critical security flaw within the libevm component of the CPP-Ethereum implementation, specifically targeting the Ethereum Virtual Machine execution environment. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that can escalate into more severe memory corruption vulnerabilities. The flaw exists within the virtual machine's handling of smart contract execution, where improperly validated memory access patterns can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during the execution of smart contracts within the Ethereum Virtual Machine. When a maliciously crafted smart contract is processed, the libevm component fails to properly validate array indices or memory access boundaries, leading to an out-of-bounds read operation. This initial read vulnerability serves as a precursor to a more dangerous out-of-bounds write condition, creating a chain of memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core execution layer of the Ethereum blockchain, affecting how all smart contracts are processed and executed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Ethereum network participants and smart contract developers. An attacker capable of deploying or submitting malicious smart contracts to the network can exploit this flaw to achieve remote code execution on systems running vulnerable versions of the CPP-Ethereum client. The impact extends beyond individual node compromise to potentially affect the entire blockchain network if exploited at scale, as compromised nodes could alter transaction processing or propagate malicious code. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that any system running the affected Ethereum client software is at risk, regardless of network location or access controls.
The security implications align with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through smart contracts. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the CPP-Ethereum client, deploying network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious smart contract deployments. Additionally, developers should adopt defensive programming practices such as implementing comprehensive input validation, using memory-safe programming languages where possible, and conducting thorough code reviews focused on memory access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in blockchain environments where execution of arbitrary code can have far-reaching consequences for network integrity and security.