Cosmos SDK's Integer Overflow vulnerability in its Validator Rewards pool can cause a chain halt

Summary

Description Name: ISA-2025-005: Integer Overflow in Cosmos SDK Component: CosmosSDK Criticality: High (Considerable Impact; Likely Likelihood per [ACMv1.2](https://github.com/interchainio/security/blob/main/resources/CLASSIFICATION_MATRIX.md)) Affected versions: <= v0.50.13, <= 0.53.2 Affected users: Validators, Full nodes, Users on chains that utilize the distribution module Cosmos SDK chains in unpatched releases that use the x/distribution module are affected.

Description An issue was discovered in the distribution module where a malicious deposit into the Validator Rewards pool would result in an integer overflow that would cause a chain halt. A malicious validator can interact with the distribution module to introduce this state.

Patches Has the problem been patched? What versions should users upgrade to?

The new Cosmos SDK release [v0.50.14](https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/releases/tag/v0.50.14) and [v0.53.3](https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/releases/tag/v0.53.3) fix this issue.

There are no known workarounds for this issue. It is advised that chains apply the update.

This issue was reported to the Cosmos Bug Bounty Program by `myte1111111` on HackerOne on April 15, 2025. If you believe you have found a bug in the Interchain Stack or would like to contribute to the program by reporting a bug, please see https://hackerone.com/cosmos.

If you have questions about Interchain security efforts, please reach out to our official communication channel at [security@interchain.io](mailto:security@interchain.io). For more information about the Interchain Foundation’s engagement with Amulet, and to sign up for security notification emails, please see https://github.com/interchainio/security.