Definition ∞ A code integrity bypass is a security vulnerability or attack method that permits unauthorized modification or execution of software code, circumventing established security verification processes. This exploit allows attackers to run arbitrary code on a system, potentially leading to data manipulation, unauthorized access, or complete system compromise. It directly undermines the assurance that software operates as intended and has not been tampered with. Such bypasses are critical security flaws, particularly in smart contracts and blockchain infrastructure, where immutable code execution is paramount.
Context ∞ News in the digital asset space frequently discusses code integrity bypasses in the context of smart contract exploits and blockchain protocol vulnerabilities. Remediation efforts focus on rigorous auditing and formal verification to prevent such security failures, which can result in substantial financial losses. The industry continually seeks robust methods to ensure the unalterable execution of code, strengthening the trustworthiness of decentralized applications.