Definition ∞ Callback manipulation refers to the malicious alteration of functions designed to be executed after an asynchronous operation completes. In smart contract contexts, this involves an attacker controlling or modifying the address or logic of a callback function, leading to unintended execution flows or unauthorized actions. By subverting the expected sequence of operations, attackers can exploit vulnerabilities to drain funds, bypass access controls, or disrupt protocol functionality. This technique often targets reentrancy vulnerabilities or improper handling of external calls within decentralized applications.
Context ∞ News regarding callback manipulation often appears in post-mortem analyses of smart contract exploits and security audits of DeFi protocols. The discussion centers on secure coding practices, such as checks-effects-interactions patterns, and the use of reentrancy guards to prevent such attacks. Developers continuously refine contract logic and audit processes to mitigate these sophisticated vulnerabilities.