CVE-2021-25836 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Cosmos Network Ethermint <= v0.4.0 is affected by cache lifecycle inconsistency in the EVM module, allowing the bytecode set in a FAILED transaction to remain in memory and be written to persistent store, potentially leading to the creation of honeypot contracts.

Understanding CVE-2021-25836

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-25836?

CVE-2021-25836 discloses a vulnerability in Cosmos Network Ethermint where cache lifecycle inconsistency in the EVM module enables malicious actors to exploit memory and persistent store behaviors.

The Impact of CVE-2021-25836

The vulnerability may be utilized by attackers to create honeypot contracts, potentially leading to financial losses and security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-25836

In this section, the technical aspects of the vulnerability are discussed in detail.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the incorrect handling of bytecode in a failed transaction, allowing it to persist in memory and storage.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cosmos Network Ethermint versions up to v0.4.0 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit the inconsistency to create deceptive contracts that may deceive users and lead to financial harm.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2021-25836.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update to a patched version, eliminate honeypot contracts, and review the persisted bytecode for potential threats.

Long-Term Security Practices

Developers should ensure proper bytecode handling, conduct regular security audits, and stay informed about security best practices.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from Cosmos Network Ethermint and promptly apply patches to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.