Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies rely on cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and store funds. However, using outdated libraries like BitcoinJS can result in mathematically invalid private keys, making crypto wallets vulnerable to attack. In this article, we will look at the issue of outdated libraries, their impact on crypto wallet security, and the mathematical aspects associated with these vulnerabilities.

Review of legacy libraries

The BitcoinJS library was widely used in the early 2010s to create cryptocurrency wallets. However, it contained vulnerabilities that were only fixed in 2014[1][2]. Despite the fixes, many wallets created before that time remained vulnerable. These vulnerabilities, known as Randstorm, allow attackers to predict private keys more easily than Bitcoin’s cryptography would suggest[2].

Mathematical aspects of vulnerabilities

The vulnerabilities in BitcoinJS are related to the generation of pseudo-random numbers. The library used a vulnerable JSBN library that affected the function Math.random, which led to predictability in the keys generated[1][2]. This means that instead of using cryptographically secure pseudo-random numbers, the keys were generated with less entropy, making them more vulnerable to brute-force attacks or other cryptographic attacks.

Mathematically, the problem is that the key generation must be completely random and unpredictable. Using vulnerable libraries violates this principle, allowing attackers to use statistical methods to recover keys. For example, if keys are generated using predictable algorithms, an attacker can use methods such as frequency analysis or other statistical methods to narrow down the pool of possible keys.

Consequences of vulnerabilities

The consequences of using outdated libraries can be catastrophic. Researchers estimate that up to 3-5% of the several million vulnerable wallets could be compromised[1]. This means that significant amounts of cryptocurrency are at risk. Furthermore, the vulnerabilities are not limited to Bitcoin; they also affect other cryptocurrencies such as Litecoin, Zcash, and Dogecoin, which use similar libraries[2].

Protection against vulnerabilities

Protecting against these vulnerabilities requires a comprehensive approach. Owners of vulnerable wallets should immediately update their wallets to secure versions or transfer funds to new, secure wallets. In addition, cryptocurrency service developers should regularly update the libraries they use and conduct security audits to prevent the use of outdated code.

Conclusion

Using outdated libraries like BitcoinJS creates significant security risks for cryptocurrency wallets. The mathematical aspects of these vulnerabilities are related to the predictability of the keys generated, which makes them vulnerable to attacks. To ensure the security of cryptocurrency transactions, it is important to use up-to-date and secure libraries, as well as regularly update the software.

Citations:
[1] https://bluescreen.kz/niesiekrietnyi-kliuch-issliedovatieli-obnaruzhili-uiazvimosti-v-kriptokoshielkakh/
[2] https://www.kaspersky.ru/blog/vulnerability-in-hot-cryptowallets-from-2011-2015/36592/
[3] https://ru.tradingview.com/news/getblock:9b95d70f167b8:0/
[4] https://pikabu.ru/story/kriptoanaliz_bitkoina_uyazvimost_cve202527840_v_mikrokontrollerakh_esp32_podvergaet_risku_milliardyi_iotustroystv_cherez_wifi_i_bluetooth_12555320
[5] https://habr.com/ru/articles/680848/
[6] https://epravda.com.ua/rus/publications/2017/11/21/631382/
[7] https://www.itsec.ru/articles/ataka-51-i-ustojchivost-blokchejna-bitkoina
[8] https://habr.com/ru/articles/689442/