CVE-2021-3401

Bitcoin Core before 0.19.0 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when another application unsafely passes the -platformpluginpath argument to…

published February 4, 2021

CVSS
—
EPSS
10%
Percentile
95.8
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky command with a misplaced argument could let attackers run arbitrary code! This vulnerability in Bitcoin Core before version 0.19.0 is like giving a guest the keys and saying they can decorate the living room however they like. 🏡 Think of it as a party where someone mistakenly hands over the remote control for the music system to a guest. If that guest decides to play their playlist, they could turn the vibe of the party upside down! While the discoverer's take suggests it's unlikely to exploit this vulnerability, the implications still raise eyebrows. An attacker may potentially execute unwanted commands tucked away in unassuming applications, putting your system's integrity at risk. No one wants an unwelcome DJ at their party!

Put simply

Think of it as a party where someone mistakenly hands over the remote control for the music system to a guest. If that guest decides to play their playlist, they could turn the vibe of the party upside down! This vulnerability stems from the way the bitcoin-qt program handles the -platformpluginpath argument. If an unsafe application passes this argument, it opens the door for executing arbitrary code, which can lead to undesirable actions being taken on the system.

What to do

While the discoverer's take suggests it's unlikely to exploit this vulnerability, the implications still raise eyebrows. An attacker may potentially execute unwanted commands tucked away in unassuming applications, putting your system's integrity at risk. No one wants an unwelcome DJ at their party! Upgrade Bitcoin Core to version 0.19.0 or later to mitigate this risk. It's also wise to audit any applications that interact with bitcoin-qt to ensure they handle arguments safely. Staying informed about security practices can prevent future issues! You've got this! By taking these steps, you’ll keep your Bitcoin Core safe and sound. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.10478 · 95.8th percentile
Published
2021-02-04T04:47Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 04 FEB 04:47Z
    Bitcoin Core before 0.19.0 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when another application unsafely passes the -platformpluginpath argument to…
    cvelistv5