Definition ∞ A cross-layer vulnerability describes a security flaw that originates in one layer of a system’s architecture but impacts another layer. This type of vulnerability exploits interactions or dependencies between different components, leading to unexpected security weaknesses. Such flaws can be particularly challenging to detect because they do not reside solely within a single, isolated system component. They represent a weakness in the overall system design or communication protocols.
Context ∞ In blockchain and digital asset systems, cross-layer vulnerabilities pose significant security risks, often reported in news related to protocol exploits or smart contract failures. For instance, a weakness in a network layer component might be exploited to compromise application layer security. Security audits increasingly focus on inter-layer interactions to identify and mitigate these complex issues. Vigilance against these systemic flaws remains a priority for system architects.
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