CVE-2019-15079 in EAI
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2020
A typo exists in the constructor of a smart contract implementation for EAI through 2019-06-05, an Ethereum token. This vulnerability could be used by an attacker to acquire EAI tokens for free.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2026
The vulnerability identified in the EAI token smart contract represents a critical implementation flaw that emerged through the 2019-06-05 timeframe, affecting the Ethereum blockchain ecosystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of software defects that can directly impact financial assets and tokenomics within decentralized applications. The presence of a typo in the constructor function indicates a fundamental coding error that likely occurred during the development phase, potentially due to insufficient code review processes or inadequate testing procedures. Such errors in smart contract implementations can have severe consequences as they may allow unauthorized access to token distributions or create unintended monetary flows that compromise the integrity of the entire system.
The technical flaw manifests as a typographical error within the constructor method of the EAI token contract, which serves as the initialization function that executes when the smart contract is deployed on the Ethereum network. Constructor functions are critical components that establish the initial state of the contract, including token distribution parameters, ownership settings, and other fundamental configurations. When a typo exists in this crucial code segment, it can result in improper variable assignments, incorrect parameter handling, or flawed logic flow that ultimately allows malicious actors to exploit the system. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-444, which addresses improper handling of input or data in software applications, and may also connect to CWE-755, representing the improper handling of exceptions or errors in code execution. The error likely creates a scenario where the contract's intended token distribution mechanism becomes compromised, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the contract's state to acquire tokens without proper authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple financial loss, as it fundamentally undermines the trust and security assumptions that users place in decentralized financial systems. An attacker exploiting this typo could potentially drain the token supply, manipulate the total supply calculation, or gain unauthorized access to token allocation mechanisms that should remain restricted. The vulnerability's timeframe of 2019-06-05 suggests this was likely present in the contract for a significant period before detection, potentially allowing multiple exploitation attempts. This type of attack aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers may leverage the typo to execute unauthorized operations within the contract. The financial implications could be substantial, as the unauthorized acquisition of EAI tokens would dilute the token's value and potentially create market manipulation opportunities, affecting all legitimate token holders and the overall ecosystem stability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through contract auditing and potential hard forks to address the specific typographical error in the constructor function. The recommended approach involves conducting a comprehensive code review focusing on all constructor parameters and initialization logic, implementing automated testing protocols, and establishing robust quality assurance processes before any smart contract deployment. Security measures should include formal verification techniques, multi-signature wallet implementations for contract ownership, and regular third-party audits to identify similar typographical or logical errors. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring systems that can detect unusual transaction patterns or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process must ensure that all instances of the typo are corrected and that the contract's initialization logic operates as intended, with proper validation of all parameters and variables to prevent similar issues from arising in future smart contract implementations. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of following established security standards and best practices such as those outlined in the OpenZeppelin security guidelines and the Ethereum Smart Contract Security Best Practices documentation.