The U.S. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) Identifies Vulnerability in Bitcoin Code
The U.S. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) has acknowledged a vulnerability in the Bitcoin code related to BRC-20 standard tokens. According to the NVD, certain versions of Bitcoin Core and Bitcoin Knots allow BRC-20 tokens to bypass size restrictions on additional information contained in “inscriptions.” This vulnerability allows the tokens to obfuscate data by disguising it as code.
Concerns Raised by the NVD
The NVD considers “inscriptions” created using the Ordinals protocol as a cybersecurity threat to the Bitcoin network. The NVD’s recognition of this vulnerability indicates that it is of high public awareness, although further analysis is still needed. The agency also highlights that BRC-20 tokens have already significantly congested the Bitcoin network, leading to negative impacts on performance and transaction fees.
BRC-20 Tokens and their Impact on the Bitcoin Network
BRC-20 is an experimental token standard on the BTC network that assigns JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) data to satoshis, the smallest unit of Bitcoin. These tokens gained popularity alongside the introduction of the Ordinals protocol, which enables non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to be added to satoshis. However, this increased excitement resulted in a five-fold overload of the Bitcoin blockchain and an average transaction value of $14-$16.
Hot Take: Potential Risks for Bitcoin’s Future
The vulnerability identified by the NVD raises concerns about the security and performance of the Bitcoin network. The exploitation of this vulnerability by BRC-20 tokens emphasizes the need for developers and users to address potential threats and improve code integrity. As cryptocurrencies continue to evolve, it becomes crucial to prioritize security measures to safeguard the integrity and functionality of blockchain networks.
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