CVE-2018-11411 in DimonCoin
Summary
by MITRE
The transferFrom function of a smart contract implementation for DimonCoin (FUD), an Ethereum ERC20 token, allows attackers to steal assets (e.g., transfer all victims' balances into their account) because certain computations involving _value are incorrect.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2020
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2018-11411 represents a critical flaw in the DimonCoin (FUD) ERC20 token smart contract implementation that fundamentally compromises the security and integrity of the token ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically affects the transferFrom function, which is a core component of ERC20 token standards that enables approved third-party transfers between accounts. The flaw stems from incorrect mathematical computations involving the _value parameter during the transfer process, creating a pathway for unauthorized asset extraction that directly violates the fundamental principles of blockchain-based asset management.
The technical implementation error occurs within the transferFrom function where arithmetic operations involving the _value parameter are not properly validated or constrained, allowing attackers to manipulate the transfer logic through carefully crafted inputs. This vulnerability falls under CWE-191 Integer Underflow/Overflow, as the incorrect computations can lead to unexpected behavior when handling token balances, particularly when dealing with boundary conditions and maximum value limits. The flaw enables attackers to execute transfers that exceed normal transaction limits, effectively allowing them to drain victim accounts entirely by exploiting the miscalculated value parameters during the transfer process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple financial loss, as it fundamentally undermines trust in the DimonCoin ecosystem and demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in smart contract development. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to transfer all of a victim's token balance into their own account without proper authorization, creating a scenario where legitimate users lose complete control over their assets. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates silently within the normal transaction flow, making it difficult to detect until after the attack has occurred. This type of vulnerability directly relates to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and control through smart contract manipulation, where attackers leverage code execution flaws to gain unauthorized access to resources.
The implications of CVE-2018-11411 highlight the critical need for comprehensive smart contract auditing and adherence to established security best practices in blockchain development. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor arithmetic errors in smart contract implementations can lead to catastrophic financial losses, emphasizing the importance of rigorous testing and formal verification processes. Organizations deploying ERC20 tokens or any blockchain-based asset systems must implement thorough security controls including proper input validation, boundary checking, and comprehensive testing procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising their systems. This particular flaw serves as a stark reminder of the irreversible nature of blockchain transactions and the critical importance of secure coding practices in decentralized applications. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of following established security frameworks and standards such as the OpenZeppelin security guidelines and the Ethereum Smart Contract Best Practices recommendations to prevent similar issues in future implementations.