Bitcoin's blockchain can do more than store transactions, according to new research from Kaspersky that demonstrates the way in which the cryptocurrency's ledger can be used to store malware control mechanisms or provide access to illicit content.
Researcher Vitaly Kamluk created a proof of concept software that could take information from a hacker-controlled Bitcoin address and a transaction hash over a command line, Forbes reported. Essentially, an attacker can pull data and then store malicious material on the blockchain.
The data can then be used to execute various actions, including stealing information, through specific payloads.
SC Magazine UK reported that the blockchain vulnerability could allow the reshaping of the distribution of zero-day attacks and also help create illegal underground marketplaces that provide private keys to access the data.
