CVE-2018-13621 in SoundTribeToken
Summary
by MITRE
The mintToken function of a smart contract implementation for SoundTribeToken, an Ethereum token, has an integer overflow that allows the owner of the contract to set the balance of an arbitrary user to any value.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2020
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2018-13621 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the mintToken function of the SoundTribeToken smart contract deployed on the Ethereum blockchain. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and arithmetic handling within the contract's code implementation, creating a scenario where the contract owner can manipulate token balances without legitimate authorization. The flaw exists in the mathematical operations that govern token creation and distribution, specifically when the mintToken function processes user requests to generate new tokens. The integer overflow occurs when the contract attempts to perform arithmetic operations that exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the data type used, allowing the owner to manipulate the balance of any user account to an arbitrary value.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-190, which classifies integer overflow and underflow conditions as a fundamental weakness in software systems. This weakness directly enables the exploitation of the smart contract through unauthorized balance manipulation, where the contract owner can effectively create unlimited tokens or manipulate existing balances to any desired amount. The vulnerability operates at the core of blockchain token economics, where proper balance management and token supply control are essential for maintaining the integrity of the digital asset. The flaw demonstrates a critical failure in the contract's input validation mechanisms, as it fails to properly check for overflow conditions before executing arithmetic operations that modify user balances. This oversight creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the token distribution and potentially undermine the economic model of the SoundTribeToken.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple balance manipulation, as it fundamentally compromises the security and trustworthiness of the entire SoundTribeToken ecosystem. The contract owner can arbitrarily set any user's balance to extremely high values, potentially enabling unauthorized token transfers or creating artificial scarcity in the market. This vulnerability also affects the overall tokenomics of the system, as it allows for the creation of unlimited tokens without proper governance mechanisms. The implications for token holders are severe, as their balances become susceptible to manipulation by the contract owner, potentially leading to financial losses and undermining confidence in the platform. The vulnerability also impacts the smart contract's compliance with standard token protocols, as proper balance management and token creation controls are essential for maintaining interoperability with other blockchain systems and exchanges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate code review and implementation of proper integer overflow protection mechanisms. The recommended approach involves implementing comprehensive input validation checks before any arithmetic operations that could result in overflow conditions, utilizing safe math libraries that automatically detect and prevent overflow scenarios, and conducting thorough security audits of all smart contract functions. The solution must incorporate proper boundary checking and use of secure arithmetic operations that prevent the contract owner from manipulating balances through integer overflow conditions. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and multi-signature requirements for critical functions like mintToken can reduce the risk of unauthorized balance manipulation. The fix should align with industry best practices for smart contract security and incorporate defensive programming techniques that prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future implementations. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to established security frameworks and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate potential exploits before they can be leveraged by malicious actors.