CVE-2026-46540: CWE-841: Improper Enforcement of Behavioral Workflow in nimiq core-rs-albatross
Nimiq core-rs-albatross versions prior to 1.4.0 contain a vulnerability where the LightBlockchain::rebranch() function improperly updates blockchain state when adopting a fork chain ending in a macro block. This leads to stale macro block and validator state, causing verification failures and stalling the light client's chain progression. The issue is fixed in version 1.4.0.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability in Nimiq core-rs-albatross arises from LightBlockchain::rebranch() not updating macro_head, election_head, current_validators, or storing the election header when adopting a fork chain with a macro block tip. This contrasts with the full Blockchain::rebranch() which correctly updates these states. As a result, subsequent macro blocks are verified against outdated predecessors, and if the rebranch target is an election block, validator verification fails, stalling the light client. This behavior was corrected in version 1.4.0.
Potential Impact
The improper state update causes the light client to stall its chain progression due to verification failures of subsequent blocks. This impacts availability by preventing the light client from advancing its blockchain state. There is no direct confidentiality or integrity loss reported, but the denial of service effect on the light client is significant.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade to Nimiq core-rs-albatross version 1.4.0 or later, where this issue has been patched. No other mitigations are indicated.
CVE-2026-46540: CWE-841: Improper Enforcement of Behavioral Workflow in nimiq core-rs-albatross
Description
Nimiq core-rs-albatross versions prior to 1.4.0 contain a vulnerability where the LightBlockchain::rebranch() function improperly updates blockchain state when adopting a fork chain ending in a macro block. This leads to stale macro block and validator state, causing verification failures and stalling the light client's chain progression. The issue is fixed in version 1.4.0.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.5medium
Affected software
pkg:cargo/github/nimiq/core-rs-albatrossRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in Nimiq core-rs-albatross arises from LightBlockchain::rebranch() not updating macro_head, election_head, current_validators, or storing the election header when adopting a fork chain with a macro block tip. This contrasts with the full Blockchain::rebranch() which correctly updates these states. As a result, subsequent macro blocks are verified against outdated predecessors, and if the rebranch target is an election block, validator verification fails, stalling the light client. This behavior was corrected in version 1.4.0.
Potential Impact
The improper state update causes the light client to stall its chain progression due to verification failures of subsequent blocks. This impacts availability by preventing the light client from advancing its blockchain state. There is no direct confidentiality or integrity loss reported, but the denial of service effect on the light client is significant.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade to Nimiq core-rs-albatross version 1.4.0 or later, where this issue has been patched. No other mitigations are indicated.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-14T20:42:31.368Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a28a8098dd33fbd8595f127
Added to database: 06/09/2026, 23:55:53 UTC
Last enriched: 06/17/2026, 09:17:32 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:59 UTC
Views: 56
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