CVE-2018-13328 in PFGc
Summary
by MITRE
The transfer, transferFrom, and mint functions of a smart contract implementation for PFGc, an Ethereum token, have an integer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13328 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the smart contract implementation of PFGc, an Ethereum-based token. This vulnerability manifests in three core functions: transfer, transferFrom, and mint, which are fundamental operations for token management and distribution within the Ethereum ecosystem. The integer overflow occurs when the contract processes token transfers and minting operations, potentially allowing malicious actors to manipulate token balances and create unintended token quantities. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and arithmetic operation handling within the smart contract code, where mathematical operations exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the data type used for token balances.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software development where arithmetic operations produce results that exceed the maximum value representable by the target data type. The specific implementation issue affects Ethereum smart contracts where token balances are typically stored using unsigned integer data types with fixed bit widths. When these operations exceed their maximum capacity, the values wrap around to zero or negative numbers, creating exploitable conditions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a software vulnerability exploitation technique, specifically within the execution phase where adversaries leverage mathematical weaknesses in smart contract logic to gain unauthorized control over assets.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple financial loss, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the token economy. An attacker could potentially exploit the integer overflow to create unlimited tokens through the mint function or manipulate transfer operations to drain funds from other users' accounts. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the PFGc token system, potentially leading to complete loss of user funds and undermining trust in the entire token implementation. The attack surface is particularly concerning because these functions are essential for normal token operations, meaning the vulnerability could be exploited during routine transactions rather than requiring special circumstances.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate code review and patching of the affected smart contract functions. Developers should implement proper overflow checks using modern Ethereum development practices, including the use of safe math libraries that prevent arithmetic overflow conditions. The solution involves adding validation checks before arithmetic operations and ensuring that all token balance updates are properly bounded. Additionally, comprehensive testing including formal verification methods should be employed to identify similar vulnerabilities in other contract functions. The remediation process should follow industry best practices established by organizations like the Ethereum Foundation and security research communities, ensuring that all mathematical operations within smart contracts are protected against overflow conditions. Regular security audits and automated testing frameworks should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future contract deployments.