Cascading Attacks

Definition ∞ Cascading attacks involve a sequence of interconnected exploits where an initial security breach enables subsequent, more severe compromises within a system. This type of attack leverages the weaknesses exposed by one exploit to trigger further failures, amplifying the overall impact. The chain reaction often targets dependencies between different components of a blockchain protocol or decentralized application.
Context ∞ The prevalence of cascading attacks highlights the systemic risks within complex decentralized finance ecosystems. Security researchers are constantly analyzing past incidents to identify common dependency flaws and develop more resilient architectural patterns. A critical future development involves the creation of advanced simulation tools to model potential attack paths and bolster protocol defenses proactively.