Atomic Wallet’s Helper Raises Security Concerns Amidst Brute Force Threat

According to a tweet by user IM_23pds, the helper is subjected to a double SHA256 hash and then transmitted to the server. While SHA256 is generally considered a robust cryptographic algorithm, concerns have been raised by SlowMist, a cybersecurity firm.

1/Atomic wallet’s helper is twice sha256 and then passed to the server!
We discussed and found that
,Perhaps the problem really is this: ? https://t.co/loEpSEJIkn

— 23pds (@IM_23pds) June 6, 2023

SlowMist has proposed the possibility of a 12-bit brute force collision attack, where an attacker pre-computes the hash values for all possible combinations of the seed and subsequently attempts to collide the hashes. The firm suggests that if an attacker manages to obtain a substantial number of hashed helper words, potentially in the millions, the likelihood of collisions increases due to the combination of speed and volume.

A collision occurs when two different inputs produce the same hash output, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the system. Although SHA256 collisions are extremely rare due to the algorithm’s strength, the concerns raised by SlowMist emphasize the importance of ensuring robust security practices.

Atomic Wallet, a popular cryptocurrency wallet, offers users a helper feature to aid in seed generation. While the intent behind the feature is to enhance user experience, any potential vulnerability in the hashing process could present a security risk.

It is crucial for the Atomic Wallet team to address these concerns promptly and conduct a thorough security review of their hashing methods. This would involve assessing the feasibility of a collision attack and implementing appropriate measures to mitigate the risk.

Users of Atomic Wallet are advised to exercise caution and consider implementing additional security measures, such as enabling multi-factor authentication and regularly updating their wallet software to benefit from any security patches or improvements.

As the cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to evolve, ensuring the security of user funds and personal information remains paramount. Development teams and service providers must remain vigilant in addressing potential vulnerabilities and staying ahead of emerging security threats to safeguard the trust and confidence of their user base.

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