CVE-2018-10944 in ROC
Summary
by MITRE
The request_dividend function of a smart contract implementation for ROC (aka Rasputin Online Coin), an Ethereum ERC20 token, allows attackers to steal all of the contract's Ether.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10944 represents a critical flaw in the smart contract implementation of ROC (Rasputin Online Coin), an Ethereum ERC20 token that exposes the contract to unauthorized fund extraction. This vulnerability specifically affects the request_dividend function, which was designed to facilitate dividend distribution to token holders but contains a fundamental security flaw that enables attackers to drain the entire contract balance. The issue stems from improper access control mechanisms and inadequate input validation within the contract's logic, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system regardless of their token holdings or authorization status.
The technical implementation flaw resides in how the request_dividend function processes transactions and manages state changes within the Ethereum blockchain environment. The contract fails to properly verify the sender's authorization status before allowing dividend requests, and does not implement adequate checks to prevent unauthorized access to the contract's ether balance. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, and demonstrates how such flaws can be particularly devastating in blockchain environments where transactions are irreversible and funds are permanently lost once extracted. The function's design does not incorporate proper authentication mechanisms or balance validation checks that would normally prevent unauthorized users from triggering dividend distributions that could result in complete contract depletion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple financial loss, as it fundamentally undermines the trust and security assumptions that users place in smart contract systems. Attackers can exploit this flaw without requiring any special privileges or token ownership, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be executed by anyone who interacts with the contract. The consequences include complete loss of contract funds, potential reputational damage for the project, and broader implications for the Ethereum ecosystem's perception of smart contract security. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of thorough security auditing before deploying smart contracts to mainnet environments, as the irreversible nature of blockchain transactions means that such flaws can result in permanent loss of assets for all users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate contract redeployment with proper access controls and input validation mechanisms. The recommended approach involves implementing robust authorization checks within the request_dividend function, ensuring that only legitimate token holders or authorized administrators can trigger dividend distributions. Security measures should include balance verification routines, proper access control lists, and comprehensive transaction validation before any state changes occur. Organizations should also consider implementing time locks or multi-signature requirements for critical contract functions, aligning with best practices outlined in the Ethereum Smart Contract Security Best Practices framework. Additionally, regular security audits and formal verification processes should be established to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future contract implementations, as highlighted in the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on preventing privilege escalation and unauthorized access through proper control mechanisms.