CVE-2017-12842
CVE-2017-12842 is a high-severity vulnerability in Bitcoin Bitcoin Core with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
- CVSS v2: 5.0
- EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (80th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-20
- Affected product: Bitcoin Bitcoin Core
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Bitcoin Core before 0.14 allows an attacker to create an ostensibly valid SPV proof for a payment to a victim who uses an SPV wallet, even if that payment did not actually occur. Completing the attack would cost more than a million dollars, and is relevant mainly only in situations where an autonomous system relies solely on an SPV proof for transactions of a greater dollar amount.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2017-12842?
- Bitcoin Core before 0.14 allows an attacker to create an ostensibly valid SPV proof for a payment to a victim who uses an SPV wallet, even if that payment did not actually occur. Completing the attack would cost more than a million dollars, and is relevant mainly only in situations where an autonomous system relies solely on an SPV proof for transactions of a greater dollar amount.
- How severe is CVE-2017-12842?
- CVE-2017-12842 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2017-12842 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (80th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2017-12842?
- CVE-2017-12842 affects Bitcoin Bitcoin Core. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2017-12842?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2017-12842 published?
- CVE-2017-12842 was published on 2020-03-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://bitslog.wordpress.com/2018/06/09/leaf-node-weakness-in-bitcoin-merkle-tree-design/
- https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Common_Vulnerabilities_and_Exposures
- https://lists.linuxfoundation.org/pipermail/bitcoin-dev/2019-February/016697.html
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:bitcoin:bitcoin_core:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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