CVE-2025-52884

risc0-ethereum-contracts allows invalid commitment with digest value of zero to be accepted by Steel.validateCommitment

Description

RISC Zero is a zero-knowledge verifiable general computing platform, with Ethereum integration. The risc0-ethereum repository contains Solidity verifier contracts, Steel EVM view call library, and supporting code. Prior to versions 2.1.1 and 2.2.0, the `Steel.validateCommitment` Solidity library function will return `true` for a crafted commitment with a digest value of zero. This violates the semantics of `validateCommitment`, as this does not commitment to a block that is in the current chain. Because the digest is zero, it does not correspond to any block and there exist no known openings. As a result, this commitment will never be produced by a correct zkVM guest using Steel and leveraging this bug to compromise the soundness of a program using Steel would require a separate bug or misuse of the Steel library, which is expected to be used to validate the root of state opening proofs. A fix has been released as part of `risc0-ethereum` 2.1.1 and 2.2.0. Users for the `Steel` Solidity library versions 2.1.0 or earlier should ensure they are using `Steel.validateCommitment` in tandem with zkVM proof verification of a Steel program, as shown in the ERC-20 counter example, and documentation. This is the correct usage of Steel, and users following this pattern are not at risk, and do not need to take action. Users not verifying a zkVM proof of a Steel program should update their application to do so, as this is incorrect usage of Steel.

Category

1.7
CVSS
Severity: Low
CVSS 4.0 •
EPSS 0.05%
Affected: risc0 risc0-ethereum
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2025-52884?
CVE-2025-52884 has been scored as a low severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2025-52884?
To fix CVE-2025-52884, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2025-52884 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2025-52884 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2025-52884?
CVE-2025-52884 affects risc0 risc0-ethereum.
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