CVE-2018-14001 in SHARKTECH
Summary
by MITRE
An integer overflow vulnerability exists in the function batchTransfer of SHARKTECH (SKT), an Ethereum token smart contract. An attacker could use it to set any user's balance.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2020
The integer overflow vulnerability identified in CVE-2018-14001 represents a critical flaw within the SHARKTECH (SKT) Ethereum token smart contract implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects the batchTransfer function, which is designed to facilitate the transfer of tokens to multiple recipients in a single transaction. The flaw stems from improper input validation and arithmetic handling within the smart contract code, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate integer values beyond their intended boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of integer values during the batch transfer process. When the smart contract processes multiple token transfers simultaneously, it fails to properly validate or constrain the integer parameters that define transfer amounts or recipient counts. This allows an attacker to craft transactions that cause integer overflow conditions, where large values wrap around to smaller unexpected values due to the fixed-size integer representation. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and falls under the broader category of CWE-682, concerning computations with incorrect types.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any system utilizing the affected SHARKTECH token contract. An attacker who successfully exploits this integer overflow can manipulate user balances by setting arbitrary values, potentially leading to unauthorized token creation or destruction. This capability fundamentally undermines the integrity of the token economy and can result in significant financial losses for token holders. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the smart contract, compromising the trustless nature of blockchain transactions and potentially enabling scenarios where attackers can drain funds or manipulate token distributions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate code review and patching of the affected smart contract. The fix must implement proper input validation to prevent integer overflow conditions, typically through the use of overflow-checking mechanisms or libraries such as OpenZeppelin's SafeMath. Additionally, comprehensive testing including fuzz testing and formal verification should be conducted to ensure no similar vulnerabilities exist in the codebase. Organizations should also implement proper audit procedures and consider using established smart contract development frameworks that include built-in protections against integer overflow conditions. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of rigorous security testing in blockchain environments where financial assets are at risk.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple balance manipulation to include potential disruption of tokenomics and governance mechanisms. Attackers could exploit the vulnerability to manipulate token distributions, influence voting rights, or create artificial scarcity through unauthorized token generation. The remediation process should also include monitoring for any unauthorized transactions that may have occurred due to the vulnerability, as well as implementing additional security controls such as transaction rate limiting and enhanced access controls to prevent further exploitation. This case highlights the need for continuous security assessment in decentralized applications and the importance of adhering to established security frameworks such as those recommended by the Ethereum Foundation and industry best practices.