How the CVE Works:
CosmWasm, a smart contract module for blockchain ecosystems, prior to version 2.2.0, lacks proper runtime validation of capabilities. This flaw allows attackers to bypass capability restrictions, enabling them to deploy and execute unauthorized smart contracts. Capabilities in CosmWasm are designed to restrict certain actions to authorized entities. However, due to insufficient validation during contract deployment, attackers can exploit this oversight to perform actions that should be restricted, potentially compromising the integrity and security of the blockchain.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: CosmWasm
Version: Prior to v2.2.0
Vulnerability: Capability Bypass
Severity: Moderate
Date: Mar 18, 2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
1. Exploit Code:
// Malicious contract deployment bypassing capability checks
let unauthorized_contract = Contract::new()
.with_code(UNRESTRICTED_CODE)
.deploy()
.expect("Deployment failed");
unauthorized_contract.execute(UNRESTRICTED_ACTION);
2. Steps to Exploit:
- Deploy a contract without capability enforcement.
- Execute unauthorized actions on the blockchain.
- Exploit the lack of runtime validation to gain elevated privileges.
Protection:
1. Patch: Upgrade to CosmWasm v2.2.0 or later.
2. Code Fix: Implement runtime capability validation:
fn validate_capabilities(capabilities: &Capabilities) -> Result<(), Error> {
if !capabilities.is_authorized() {
return Err(Error::Unauthorized);
}
Ok(())
}
3. Mitigation Commands:
- Update CosmWasm:
cargo update -p cosmwasm
- Verify deployment capabilities:
cosmwasm-cli verify-capabilities <contract_address>
4. Analytics:
- Monitor contract deployments for unauthorized actions.
- Use blockchain explorers to track suspicious transactions.
- Implement logging for capability checks:
log::info!("Capability validation: {:?}", capabilities);
5. Additional Tools:
- Use static analysis tools to detect unauthorized contract code.
- Integrate runtime monitoring for capability enforcement.
By following these steps, developers can mitigate the risk of capability bypass vulnerabilities in CosmWasm.
References:
Reported By: https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-cg8r-jwg7-r2x4
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
