Found a bug inside the system Bitcoin Core
Cryptocurrencies are complex systems with many nuances, peculiarities and unobvious points. Especially if we are talking about such large projects as Bitcoin Core. This famous coin is a derivative of digital gold, but today Bitcoin Core is quietly and steadily developing as an independent project. However, more recently it became known about a serious vulnerability inside Bitcoin Core. Next, we will tell you about the found bug, emphasize its significance and negative impact on the coin’s reputation. So let’s get started.
Who discovered the bug? Technical details
A well-known developer working on the creation of distributed protocols for storing cryptocurrency is behind the discovery of a fairly serious vulnerability. Braydon Fuller, an employee of the Storj project, made a statement in which he spoke about a flaw in the Bitcoin Core system that could disable the coin. Another well-known digital figure, the creator of the Handshake protocol, Javed Khan, joined the description of the problem. This expert also stressed that Bitcoin Core is nowhere near as secure as the developers say. Based on his statement. We can conclude that the discovered vulnerability is much more dangerous than it seems.
Due to a bug, attackers can attack the system, almost completely stop its operation, or, conversely, deploy the activity of the coin at their discretion. Also, apparently, the creators of the cryptocurrency knew about the vulnerability in their own system. But we did not see any specific solutions or coverage of the problem. Most likely, Bitcoin Core feared a scandal and the collapse of their own reputation. Therefore, they were silent about security problems. However, let’s look at exactly what the vulnerability is.
The problem is in the blockchain itself. Due to the peculiarities of Bitcoin Core, attackers, theoretically, could independently load the system with non-existent requests. Thereby suspending the operation of the coin. Performance drops are just one problem. Theoretically, experienced hackers, with the proper desire, could completely split the Blockchain into two branches, thereby completely paralyzing the work of the cryptocurrency. The possibility of stealing user money was also allowed. Attacks on equipment and redirection of device activities at the discretion of hackers were likely. That is, the problem, as you understand, is really serious.
What about this vulnerability now? Should I Sell Bitcoin Core?
Don’t worry, the bug has been completely fixed for now. Only protocol versions up to 0.16.1 were affected. But already in August, version 0.20.1 was launched. At the moment, the vulnerability has been fixed. But more and more accusations are being raised against the Bitcoin Core developers. The community is unhappy with the silence about the problem. That is why we recommend that you carefully manage your own Bitcoin Cores. Because it is quite possible that there are many more bugs in the system that are still unknown. However, now everything is stable. The coin works as expected. So transfers, mining and other operations are possible in the usual format. However, caution is never unnecessary. Learn about all the problems with cryptocurrencies and other industry news with us. We publish only high-quality and interesting material. Thanks for your attention. Good luck!
