CVE-2024-38365 public disclosure (btcd `FindAndDelete` bug)

The shared document outlines a significant finding within the domain of cryptocurrency, particularly focusing on a discrepancy in transaction validation between Bitcoin Core and Btcd. This discovery is pivotal as it highlights a divergence in how transactions are deemed valid in two major implementations of the Bitcoin protocol. The documentation includes a unit test designed for Bitcoin Core version 27.0, which produces a transaction accepted by Bitcoin Core's standards but fails under Btcd's criteria.

This unit test is not only a tool for illustrating the inconsistency but also serves as a critical asset for developers and researchers aiming to understand the depths of these systems or to reconcile these differences. Given the technical nature of this revelation, the documented code is licensed under the MIT software license, ensuring that the findings and the test itself can be freely used, modified, and distributed by anyone interested in the nuances of cryptocurrency protocols. The sharing of this information, coupled with the open-source licensing, underscores a commitment to transparency and collaboration in the development and scrutiny of digital currencies.

The significance of this documentation transcends mere academic interest; it has practical implications for developers, miners, and participants in the Bitcoin ecosystem who rely on the seamless operation and integrity of transactions across different platforms. By making this information available, the author contributes to a more robust, secure, and unified future for Bitcoin's infrastructure.