CVE-2026-46543: CWE-617: Reachable Assertion in nimiq core-rs-albatross
Nimiq is a Rust implementation of the Nimiq Proof-of-Stake protocol based on the Albatross consensus algorithm. Prior to version 1.5.0, a remote peer can crash any full node by sending a RequestBatchSet message containing the genesis block's hash. The handler calls get_epoch_chunks which iterates backwards through macro blocks using Policy::macro_block_before. When it reaches the genesis block number, macro_block_before panics with "No macro blocks before genesis block". This issue has been patched in version 1.5.0.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
Nimiq core-rs-albatross, a Rust implementation of the Nimiq Proof-of-Stake protocol using the Albatross consensus algorithm, contains a reachable assertion vulnerability (CWE-617) in versions before 1.5.0. When a remote peer sends a RequestBatchSet message with the genesis block's hash, the handler calls get_epoch_chunks, which iterates backwards through macro blocks using Policy::macro_block_before. Upon reaching the genesis block number, macro_block_before triggers a panic with the message "No macro blocks before genesis block," crashing the node. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote denial of service. The issue is patched in version 1.5.0.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can cause a denial of service by crashing any full node running affected versions of nimiq core-rs-albatross. The crash occurs due to an assertion failure when processing a specially crafted RequestBatchSet message containing the genesis block's hash. There is no impact on confidentiality or integrity, only availability is affected.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade to nimiq core-rs-albatross version 1.5.0 or later, where this reachable assertion vulnerability has been patched. No other mitigation is required as the issue is fixed in the official release.
CVE-2026-46543: CWE-617: Reachable Assertion in nimiq core-rs-albatross
Description
Nimiq is a Rust implementation of the Nimiq Proof-of-Stake protocol based on the Albatross consensus algorithm. Prior to version 1.5.0, a remote peer can crash any full node by sending a RequestBatchSet message containing the genesis block's hash. The handler calls get_epoch_chunks which iterates backwards through macro blocks using Policy::macro_block_before. When it reaches the genesis block number, macro_block_before panics with "No macro blocks before genesis block". This issue has been patched in version 1.5.0.
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.3medium
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
Nimiq core-rs-albatross, a Rust implementation of the Nimiq Proof-of-Stake protocol using the Albatross consensus algorithm, contains a reachable assertion vulnerability (CWE-617) in versions before 1.5.0. When a remote peer sends a RequestBatchSet message with the genesis block's hash, the handler calls get_epoch_chunks, which iterates backwards through macro blocks using Policy::macro_block_before. Upon reaching the genesis block number, macro_block_before triggers a panic with the message "No macro blocks before genesis block," crashing the node. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote denial of service. The issue is patched in version 1.5.0.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can cause a denial of service by crashing any full node running affected versions of nimiq core-rs-albatross. The crash occurs due to an assertion failure when processing a specially crafted RequestBatchSet message containing the genesis block's hash. There is no impact on confidentiality or integrity, only availability is affected.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade to nimiq core-rs-albatross version 1.5.0 or later, where this reachable assertion vulnerability has been patched. No other mitigation is required as the issue is fixed in the official release.
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: 6a28a80c8dd33fbd8595f586
Added to database: 06/09/2026, 23:55:56 UTC
Last enriched: 06/17/2026, 08:51:34 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:59 UTC
Views: 59
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