CVE-2018-14004 in GlobeCoin
Summary
by MITRE
An integer overflow vulnerability exists in the function transfer_tokens_after_ICO of GlobeCoin (GLB), an Ethereum token smart contract. An attacker could use it to set any user's balance.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2020
The integer overflow vulnerability in GlobeCoin's transfer_tokens_after_ICO function represents a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental integrity of the smart contract's token distribution mechanism. This vulnerability resides within the Ethereum-based GLB token contract and specifically targets the mathematical operations used during the initial coin offering phase. The flaw occurs when the contract processes token transfers following the ICO event, creating a scenario where arithmetic operations can exceed the maximum value that can be stored in the designated integer data types. Such overflows are particularly dangerous in blockchain environments where financial assets are at stake and where the mathematical correctness of operations directly impacts user balances and token ownership.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unchecked arithmetic operations within the smart contract code. When the transfer_tokens_after_ICO function executes, it likely performs calculations involving token amounts that could potentially exceed the maximum limit of the integer data type being used. This overflow condition allows an attacker to manipulate the underlying mathematical computations in such a way that user balances can be arbitrarily modified. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of integer overflow, which is classified as a common weakness in software development that frequently leads to exploitable conditions in smart contracts. The specific nature of this flaw means that an attacker could craft malicious transactions that, when processed by the contract, result in unintended balance modifications for any user account within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple balance manipulation and represents a complete compromise of the token contract's security model. An attacker who successfully exploits this integer overflow could potentially drain funds from other users' accounts or inflate their own holdings to unprecedented levels. This creates a fundamental trust crisis within the token ecosystem, as users cannot rely on the integrity of their token balances or the fairness of the distribution process. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the GlobeCoin platform and undermines the decentralized trust model that blockchain technology is designed to provide. From an attacker perspective, this represents a high-value target since it allows for direct financial gain without requiring complex multi-step attacks or advanced cryptographic techniques. The exploitability of this vulnerability is further enhanced by the fact that it occurs during a critical phase of the token lifecycle, the ICO period, when large volumes of tokens are being distributed and user accounts are actively being modified.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements within the smart contract architecture. The primary fix involves implementing proper bounds checking and overflow protection mechanisms within the transfer_tokens_after_ICO function, ensuring that all arithmetic operations are validated against maximum integer limits before execution. This aligns with the security recommendations found in the OWASP Smart Contract Security Verification Standard, which emphasizes the importance of input validation and proper error handling in blockchain applications. Additionally, developers should implement comprehensive testing procedures including formal verification and fuzz testing to identify similar vulnerabilities before deployment. The remediation process should also include code audits that specifically target integer handling patterns and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent overflow conditions. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring systems that can detect anomalous balance changes that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability represents a technique that could be classified under privilege escalation and resource hijacking categories, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized control over token balances and potentially manipulate the entire token distribution process.