CVE-2018-6353 in Electrum
Summary
by MITRE
The Python console in Electrum through 2.9.4 and 3.x through 3.0.5 supports arbitrary Python code without considering (1) social-engineering attacks in which a user pastes code that they do not understand and (2) code pasted by a physically proximate attacker at an unattended workstation, which makes it easier for attackers to steal Bitcoin via hook code that runs at a later time when the wallet password has been entered, a different vulnerability than CVE-2018-1000022.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6353 resides within the Python console implementation of the Electrum cryptocurrency wallet software across versions 2.9.4 and earlier 3.x releases up to 3.0.5. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that fundamentally undermines user trust in the wallet's interactive console functionality. The vulnerability stems from the console's permissive execution model that allows arbitrary Python code execution without adequate input validation or user awareness mechanisms, creating a dangerous operational environment where users unknowingly execute malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper code analysis and user warning systems within the Electrum console interface. When users paste code into the console, the system executes it immediately without examining the code's intent or potential malicious behavior. This design flaw creates multiple attack vectors that align with common social engineering techniques and physical security breaches. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers to inject hook code that remains dormant until the wallet password is entered by the user, at which point the malicious code activates and executes its payload.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6353 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it creates a sophisticated attack scenario where malicious actors can establish persistent backdoors within the wallet environment. This vulnerability particularly affects users who operate unattended workstations or who are subject to social engineering attacks where they might paste code from untrusted sources. The attack methodology leverages the trust users place in the console's functionality while simultaneously exploiting their lack of awareness about code content, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access to devices is possible.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability demonstrates a clear failure in input validation and user awareness protocols that aligns with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-470 (Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Code to Execute). The attack pattern follows typical MITRE ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation). The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical sophistication from attackers while creating significant financial risk for victims who may unknowingly execute malicious code that remains dormant until the wallet password is entered, at which point it can steal Bitcoin funds.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6353 should focus on implementing comprehensive code review mechanisms, mandatory user warnings for code execution, and enhanced input validation within the console interface. Users should be advised to avoid pasting code from untrusted sources and to disable the console functionality when not actively needed. Software vendors should implement automatic code analysis for console inputs and provide clear warnings about the risks associated with executing arbitrary code. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper threat modeling for cryptocurrency applications, particularly those involving user interaction with code execution environments. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as code signing requirements and execution environment isolation to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.