Key facts
- Bitcoin Core 32.0 is undergoing release-candidate testing.
- The update aims to speed up block checks by reading database information in parallel.
- A new format for partially signed transactions will be the default for four wallet commands.
- A security fix prevents crafted wallet names from triggering commands on non-Windows systems.
- A patch addresses excessive memory use in the new HTTP server, preventing out-of-memory conditions.
- The update is targeted for release around October 10.
The software that allows users to independently verify Bitcoin payments, Bitcoin Core, is set to receive an update aimed at improving speed and security. Bitcoin Core 32.0 entered release-candidate testing on Monday, with developers targeting October 10 for its final release, though this timeline could shift based on ongoing testing.
The update focuses on speeding up block checks by enabling parallel reading of database information, without altering the rate at which Bitcoin produces blocks. Additionally, four wallet commands will default to a newer format for exchanging partially signed transactions, though the older format remains available.
Security enhancements include a fix for a vulnerability where crafted wallet names could trigger commands on a node's computer, particularly affecting non-Windows systems. Another patch addresses excessive memory usage in the new HTTP server, preventing potential out-of-memory conditions. This latter fix was developed with the assistance of an AI model and refined after a reviewer identified that unauthenticated connections could also cause memory growth.