Approval Exploit

Definition ∞ An approval exploit is a security vulnerability where malicious actors can misuse token approval mechanisms to gain unauthorized access to a user’s digital assets. This often occurs in decentralized finance applications where users grant permissions for smart contracts to interact with their tokens. Such exploits can lead to significant financial losses if not properly understood and mitigated. Context ∞ The prevalence of approval exploits is a recurring topic in discussions about smart contract security and user protection on blockchains like Ethereum. News reports frequently highlight instances where users have lost funds due to improperly managed token allowances, underscoring the need for user education and robust security auditing. The ongoing development of safer approval patterns and tools aims to reduce the attack surface for these types of vulnerabilities.