Vulnerability in Nimiq Core-Rs-Albatross
CVE-2026-46540
Nimiq is a Rust implementation of the Nimiq Proof-of-Stake protocol based on the Albatross consensus algorithm. Prior to version 1.4.0, when LightBlockchain::rebranch() adopts a fork chain whose tip is a macro block (checkpoint or election), it only updates self.head but fails to update self.macro_head, self.election_head, self.current_validators, or store the election header in the chain_store. This is in direct contrast with the full Blockchain::rebranch() at blockchain/src/blockchain/push.rs:504-518, which correctly updates all macro/election state when the new head is a macro block. After a rebranch to a macro block, the stale macro_head causes subsequent macro blocks pushed via push() to be verified against the wrong predecessor via verify_macro_successor(&this.macro_head). If the rebranch target was an election block, the stale current_validators causes every subsequent block to fail verify_validators(), completely stalling the light client's chain progression. This issue has been patched in version 1.4.0.
EPSS: 0.003 (17.6th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 6.5 (Medium). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L.
Affected products
- Nimiq Core-rs-albatross — versions < 1.4.0
Weakness classification (CWE)
References
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_MISC)
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_MISC)
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_CONFIRM)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-46540?
- CVE-2026-46540 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Nimiq Core-Rs-Albatross, classified under Improper Enforcement of Behavioral Workflow. CVSS score: 6.5/10. Published 2026-06-10.
- How severe is CVE-2026-46540?
- Medium severity. CVSS v3 base score is 6.5 out of 10.