PT-2021-23679 · Ethereum · Ethereum Consensus Protocol

Published 2021-10-20 · Updated 2021-10-26 · CVE-2021-42766

Positive Technologies (AI Summary)

CVSS v3.1

9.1

Critical

Base vector

AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

Name of the Vulnerable Software and Affected Versions Ethereum consensus protocol through 2021-10-19

Description The Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Ethereum consensus protocol allows an adversary to cause a denial of service, specifically long-range consensus chain reorganizations. This can occur even when the adversary has little stake and cannot influence network message propagation, potentially causing a protocol stall or increasing the profits of individual validators.

Recommendations For Ethereum consensus protocol versions through 2021-10-19, consider implementing measures to prevent long-range consensus chain reorganizations, such as enhancing network message propagation security or adjusting validator profit mechanisms, until a more comprehensive fix is available. At the moment, there is no information about a newer version that contains a fix for this vulnerability.

Related Identifiers

CVE-2021-42766

Affected Products

Ethereum Consensus Protocol

References · 4

• https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2021-42766 · Vendor Advisory
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-42766 · Security Note
• https://t.me/cibsecurity/30926 · Telegram Post
• https://arxiv.org/abs/2110.10086 · Note