CVE-2026-3192 identifies an improper authentication vulnerability in the Chia Blockchain software, specifically version 2.1.0. The issue resides in the _authenticate function within the rpc_server_base.py file, part of the RPC Credential Handler component. This function is responsible for verifying credentials for remote procedure calls. Due to a design flaw, the authentication mechanism can be bypassed or improperly validated, allowing remote attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to RPC functions. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction, but the complexity is high and exploitability is difficult, limiting the likelihood of successful exploitation. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a low level, as attackers may gain limited unauthorized access but not full control or data compromise. The vendor has rejected a bug bounty report citing that the issue is by design and that users are responsible for securing their hosts, indicating that the RPC interface is expected to be protected by external security controls. No official patches or mitigations have been released, and no known exploits are currently active in the wild. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.3, reflecting medium severity with network attack vector, high attack complexity, and no required privileges or user interaction.

The vulnerability could allow remote attackers to bypass authentication and access RPC functions on affected Chia Blockchain nodes. This unauthorized access may enable attackers to query sensitive information or perform limited operations, potentially undermining confidentiality and integrity. However, the impact is constrained by the high complexity of the attack and the limited scope of the RPC functions exposed. Availability impact is also low, as the vulnerability does not directly enable denial-of-service conditions. Organizations running Chia Blockchain 2.1.0 without adequate network segmentation or host security controls risk exposure to unauthorized access attempts. This could lead to information leakage or manipulation of blockchain node operations, potentially affecting blockchain reliability and trustworthiness. The vendor's stance that host security is the user's responsibility highlights the importance of securing RPC endpoints via firewalls, VPNs, or other network controls. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as public disclosure may encourage future exploit development.

To mitigate CVE-2026-3192, organizations should implement strict network-level protections around Chia Blockchain RPC interfaces, including firewall rules restricting access to trusted IP addresses only. Deploying VPNs or secure tunnels for RPC communication can further reduce exposure. Regularly monitor network traffic for anomalous RPC requests and enable logging on blockchain nodes to detect unauthorized access attempts. Since no official patch is available, consider upgrading to later versions of Chia Blockchain if they address this issue or provide enhanced authentication mechanisms. Employ host-based security measures such as intrusion detection systems and endpoint protection to prevent lateral movement if an attacker gains initial access. Additionally, conduct thorough security assessments of blockchain node deployments to ensure RPC interfaces are not exposed to untrusted networks. Engage with the vendor or community for updates on patches or configuration best practices. Finally, educate administrators on the importance of securing RPC endpoints and maintaining up-to-date security controls.