CVE-2017-12842

Name: CVE-2017-12842
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-03-16T20:15:12.423+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.5/10EPSS 2.16%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2017-12842 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.5/10 on the CVSS scale. Bitcoin Core before 0.14 allows an attacker to create an ostensibly valid SPV proof for a payment to a victim who uses an SPV wallet, even if that payment did not actually occur. Completing the attack would cost more than a million dollars, and is relevant mainly only in situations where an autonomous system relies solely on an SPV proof for transactions of a greater dollar amount.. EPSS estimates a 2.16% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Bitcoin Core before 0.14 allows an attacker to create an ostensibly valid SPV proof for a payment to a victim who uses an SPV wallet, even if that payment did not actually occur. Completing the attack would cost more than a million dollars, and is relevant mainly only in situations where an autonomous system relies solely on an SPV proof for transactions of a greater dollar amount.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

EPSS Probability

2.16%

79.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-20

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Bitcoin	Bitcoin Core	< 0.14.0

References

https://bitslog.wordpress.com/2018/06/09/leaf-node-weakness-in-bitcoin-merkle-tree-design/Third Party Advisory
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Common_Vulnerabilities_and_ExposuresVendor Advisory
https://lists.linuxfoundation.org/pipermail/bitcoin-dev/2019-February/016697.htmlThird Party Advisory
https://bitslog.wordpress.com/2018/06/09/leaf-node-weakness-in-bitcoin-merkle-tree-design/Third Party Advisory
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Common_Vulnerabilities_and_ExposuresVendor Advisory
https://lists.linuxfoundation.org/pipermail/bitcoin-dev/2019-February/016697.htmlThird Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 16, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2017-12842?

How severe is CVE-2017-12842?

CVE-2017-12842 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.16% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2017-12842?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2017-12842?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST