Definition ∞ A batch swap exploit is a vulnerability where multiple trades processed together can be manipulated for illicit gain. This attack vector specifically targets decentralized exchanges or liquidity pools that execute transactions in groups. An attacker can strategically order or structure trades within a batch to unfairly influence asset prices or extract value. This manipulation often results in significant financial loss for liquidity providers or other users within the affected pool.
Context ∞ The occurrence of batch swap exploits often leads to immediate news coverage and urgent protocol updates within the DeFi sector. Developers are actively working on countermeasures, including improved transaction ordering mechanisms and enhanced smart contract auditing. The ongoing challenge is to prevent such sophisticated attacks while maintaining the efficiency of batch processing in decentralized finance.