CVE-2020-26240: Erroneous Proof of Work calculation in geth
Summary
CVE-2020-26240: Erroneous Proof of Work calculation in geth. Affects github.com/ethereum/go-ethereum versions < 1.9.24. Fixed in 1.9.24. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package under scrutiny is github.com/ethereum/go-ethereum, which is an implementation of the Ethereum protocol in the Go programming language. It provides a command-line interface (CLI) tool called geth that allows users to interact with the Ethereum network. The package is widely used by miners to participate in the Ethereum network and perform Proof of Work (PoW) calculations. However, a vulnerability has been identified in the ethash mining DAG generation process, which could lead to erroneous PoW calculations in an upcoming epoch.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a flaw in the ethash mining DAG generation process in Geth. This flaw can cause miners to incorrectly calculate PoW in an upcoming epoch, potentially leading to mining inefficiencies and financial losses. The issue was observed on the Ethereum Classic (ETC) chain on November 6, 2020. It is important to note that this vulnerability only affects miners, and non-mining nodes are not impacted.
How To Fix
Latest published version: v1.17.9 as of 23 Oct 2026
go get github.com/ethereum/go-ethereum@v1.17.9Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
1.9.24
This is the first release that contains the fix.
go get github.com/ethereum/go-ethereum@v1.9.24Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vulnerability in the ethash mining DAG generation process of Geth can lead to erroneous Proof of Work calculations for miners. It is crucial for miners to update to version 1.9.24 or a later version of github.com/ethereum/go-ethereum to mitigate this issue. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for github.com/ethereum/go-ethereum →
FAQ
The vulnerability can cause miners to incorrectly calculate Proof of Work in an upcoming epoch, leading to mining inefficiencies and potential financial losses.
No, this vulnerability only affects miners. Non-mining nodes are not impacted.
The vulnerability was observed on the Ethereum Classic (ETC) chain on November 6, 2020.
To fix this vulnerability, update to version 1.9.24 or a later version of github.com/ethereum/go-ethereum.
The vulnerability was discovered by @slavikus and fixed by the maintainers of github.com/ethereum/go-ethereum.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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