X/vulndb Potential Go Vulnerability In Github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain GHSA-qwvm-wqq8-8j69

by StackCamp Team 95 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving into a critical security advisory regarding a potential vulnerability in the github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain Go modules. This is a heads-up for all developers and users who are working with these modules, so let's get right into it.

Understanding the Vulnerability

The advisory, GHSA-qwvm-wqq8-8j69, highlights a vulnerability that affects several versions of the mantrachain module. Specifically, this issue can impact the gas consumption during send hooks, potentially leading to unexpected behavior and security risks. For those unfamiliar, gas in the blockchain context refers to the computational effort required to execute certain operations. If gas limits aren't properly enforced, it can lead to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or other exploits. This issue stems from the fact that send hooks can potentially spend more gas than what's remained in a transaction. When combined with recursive calls within a WebAssembly (WASM) contract, the gas consumption can amplify exponentially, leading to severe performance and security implications. The heart of the issue lies in the x/tokenfactory module within mantrachain. It appears that the transaction gas limit isn't being strictly enforced in the send hooks. This oversight can be exploited, particularly when WASM contracts are involved, due to their ability to make recursive calls. Imagine a scenario where a smart contract designed with malicious intent repeatedly calls itself, each time consuming a bit more gas. Without proper enforcement of gas limits, this could quickly exhaust the available resources, bringing the system to a halt. In the context of blockchain, gas limits are a crucial mechanism for preventing malicious actors from overwhelming the network with computationally intensive operations. They act as a safeguard, ensuring that every transaction and smart contract execution adheres to a predefined boundary of resource consumption. By failing to enforce these limits in send hooks, the mantrachain module opens itself up to potential abuse. Attackers could craft transactions or deploy smart contracts that intentionally trigger excessive gas consumption, leading to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. This is particularly concerning in decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain networks where availability and reliability are paramount. The vulnerability's potential for exponential gas consumption through recursive calls adds another layer of complexity. Recursive calls, where a function or contract calls itself, are a powerful tool in smart contract development. However, they also pose a significant risk if not carefully managed. In this case, the combination of unchecked gas spending in send hooks and the possibility of recursive calls within WASM contracts creates a dangerous feedback loop. Each call consumes gas, and if the gas limit isn't enforced, the calls can continue indefinitely, rapidly depleting resources and potentially freezing the system. The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond mere performance degradation. In a blockchain environment, excessive gas consumption can translate to financial losses for network participants. Transactions might fail due to insufficient gas, and users could incur fees for these failed attempts. Moreover, the overall stability and trustworthiness of the blockchain network can be compromised if such vulnerabilities are left unaddressed. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of rigorous security audits and testing in blockchain development. Every line of code, especially in core modules like x/tokenfactory, needs to be scrutinized for potential loopholes and vulnerabilities. Gas limit enforcement, in particular, should be a primary focus, as it directly impacts the network's ability to withstand attacks and maintain operational integrity. For projects built on mantrachain, this vulnerability serves as a stark reminder to prioritize security and diligently apply patches and updates. Failing to do so could expose the network to significant risks, including DoS attacks, financial losses, and reputational damage.

Impact

The impact of this vulnerability is significant. Attackers could exploit this by crafting transactions that consume excessive gas, potentially leading to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. This means the blockchain network could become unresponsive, disrupting normal operations and potentially causing financial losses.

Patches

The good news is that patches are available! The vulnerability has been addressed in versions v4.0.2 and v5.0.0. If you're using any earlier versions, it's strongly recommended that you upgrade as soon as possible.

Workarounds

For those who cannot immediately upgrade, are there any workarounds? Unfortunately, the advisory doesn't explicitly mention any workarounds. Upgrading to the patched versions is the most effective way to mitigate this vulnerability. However, as a general security practice, consider implementing additional gas limit checks and monitoring your network for any suspicious activity.

Affected Modules and Versions

The vulnerability affects the following Go modules:

  • github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain
  • github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain/v2
  • github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain/v3
  • github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain/v4

Let's break down the specific versions affected:

  • github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain: Versions prior to 4.0.2 are considered vulnerable. The advisory indicates a TODO for the earliest fixed version, suggesting that the exact range needs further clarification, but it's safe to assume anything before 4.0.2 is at risk.
  • github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain/v2: Version 2.0.3 is listed as vulnerable.
  • github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain/v3: Version 3.0.3 is also marked as vulnerable.
  • github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain/v4: Specifically, version 4.0.1 is vulnerable, and the fix is available in 4.0.2. This means if you're using v4, upgrading to 4.0.2 is critical. Each of these modules represents a different iteration or version of the mantrachain project. The fact that the vulnerability spans across multiple versions underscores the importance of staying up-to-date with security patches. In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain and decentralized applications, vulnerabilities can emerge unexpectedly, and timely updates are your best defense. The specific mention of 1.0.3, 2.0.3, 3.0.3, and 4.0.1 as vulnerable versions allows developers to pinpoint exactly which releases of their dependencies need attention. This granular level of detail is invaluable for ensuring that no vulnerable components slip through the cracks. When auditing your project's dependencies, it's crucial to cross-reference these version numbers against your dependency management system. Tools like go.mod in Go provide a clear view of the versions you're using, making it easier to identify and update vulnerable packages. For projects that have been in development for some time, it's not uncommon to find outdated dependencies lurking in the codebase. Regular dependency audits are a proactive way to uncover these potential risks and take corrective action before they can be exploited. In addition to checking specific version numbers, it's also worth noting the advisory's mention of a TODO for the earliest fixed version in the github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain module. This suggests that the precise scope of the vulnerability and the range of affected versions might still be under investigation. As a best practice, it's wise to err on the side of caution and treat any version prior to 4.0.2 as potentially vulnerable until further clarification is provided. This vulnerability in github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain serves as a timely reminder of the ongoing security challenges in blockchain development. It highlights the need for vigilance, proactive patching, and a commitment to staying informed about the latest security advisories. By taking these steps, developers can significantly reduce their risk exposure and contribute to a more secure and resilient blockchain ecosystem. Remember, security is a shared responsibility, and every effort to mitigate vulnerabilities makes the entire community safer.

Summary of the Vulnerability

In a nutshell, the vulnerability lies in the fact that the github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain/x/tokenfactory transaction gas limit isn't being properly enforced in send hooks. This can lead to excessive gas consumption, especially when combined with recursive calls in WASM contracts.

Understanding the Core Issue: Unenforced Gas Limits in Send Hooks

At the heart of this vulnerability is the lack of proper enforcement of transaction gas limits within the send hooks of the github.com/MANTRA-Chain/mantrachain/x/tokenfactory module. To fully grasp the implications, let's break down these key concepts. First, gas limits are a fundamental security mechanism in blockchain systems, including those based on the Cosmos SDK, which mantrachain utilizes. Gas represents the computational cost of executing transactions and smart contracts on the blockchain. Every operation, from transferring tokens to running complex smart contract logic, consumes a certain amount of gas. Gas limits are put in place to prevent malicious actors from overwhelming the network with computationally intensive transactions, which could lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) attack. By setting a gas limit for each transaction, the network ensures that no single transaction can consume an excessive amount of resources. Now, let's consider send hooks. In the context of the Cosmos SDK and mantrachain, send hooks are functions that are automatically triggered when tokens are transferred between accounts. These hooks can be used to implement custom logic, such as burning tokens, distributing rewards, or performing other actions related to the token transfer. The vulnerability arises because the gas limit enforcement within these send hooks is insufficient. Specifically, the hooks can potentially spend more gas than what remains in the transaction's gas budget. This means that a malicious actor could craft a transaction that triggers a send hook with a high gas cost, potentially exceeding the transaction's gas limit and causing unexpected behavior. The situation becomes even more critical when we introduce recursive calls in WebAssembly (WASM) contracts. WASM contracts are a type of smart contract that can be executed on the blockchain. They offer a flexible and efficient way to implement complex business logic. However, WASM contracts also introduce new security considerations, particularly when it comes to recursive calls. A recursive call is when a function or contract calls itself, either directly or indirectly. While recursion can be a powerful tool, it can also lead to problems if not carefully managed. In this case, the combination of unenforced gas limits in send hooks and the potential for recursive calls in WASM contracts creates a dangerous scenario. A malicious WASM contract could trigger a send hook that, in turn, makes a recursive call back to the contract. If the gas limit is not properly enforced, this recursive loop could consume an exponential amount of gas, quickly exhausting the network's resources and potentially causing a DoS attack. The exponential gas consumption is a key aspect of this vulnerability. Each recursive call consumes gas, and if the gas limit is not enforced, the calls can continue indefinitely, leading to a rapid increase in gas usage. This exponential growth can quickly overwhelm the network, making it unresponsive to legitimate transactions. To illustrate this, imagine a scenario where a transaction has a gas limit of 1000 units. A malicious contract triggers a send hook that consumes 100 units of gas and then makes a recursive call back to the contract. If the gas limit is not enforced, this recursive call could consume another 100 units, and so on. After just a few recursive calls, the transaction could easily exceed its gas limit, potentially bringing the network to a standstill. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond just DoS attacks. It could also lead to financial losses for users and damage the reputation of the blockchain network. If transactions fail due to insufficient gas, users could lose funds or be unable to perform critical operations. Moreover, the perception of the network as secure and reliable could be undermined, potentially driving away users and developers. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of rigorous security audits and testing in blockchain development. Every line of code, especially in core modules like x/tokenfactory, needs to be scrutinized for potential vulnerabilities. Gas limit enforcement should be a primary focus, as it is a fundamental mechanism for protecting the network from abuse. In addition to code audits, thorough testing is essential to identify potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the real world. This includes unit tests, integration tests, and fuzzing, which involves automatically generating and testing a wide range of inputs to uncover edge cases and unexpected behavior. For projects built on mantrachain, this vulnerability serves as a stark reminder to prioritize security and diligently apply patches and updates. Failing to do so could expose the network to significant risks, including DoS attacks, financial losses, and reputational damage. The availability of patches in versions v4.0.2 and v5.0.0 is a positive step, but it is crucial that all affected projects take the necessary steps to upgrade and mitigate this vulnerability. Remember, security is a shared responsibility in the blockchain ecosystem. By working together and prioritizing security best practices, we can build more resilient and trustworthy networks.

CVE and GHSA Identifiers

  • CVE: CVE-2025-61595
  • GHSA: GHSA-qwvm-wqq8-8j69

These identifiers are crucial for tracking and referencing this vulnerability in various databases and security tools. Make sure to use them when discussing or reporting this issue.

References

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following resources:

These links provide in-depth explanations, technical details, and discussions related to the vulnerability. It's highly recommended to review them for a comprehensive understanding.

Review Status

Currently, the review status of this vulnerability is marked as UNREVIEWED. This means that while the advisory has been reported, it might not have undergone a full review by the relevant security authorities. Keep an eye on updates and official announcements for any changes in the review status.

Final Thoughts

Security vulnerabilities are a serious concern, and it's essential to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect your systems. If you're using any of the affected mantrachain modules, please prioritize upgrading to the patched versions. Stay safe out there, and keep your code secure!