DelegateCall Vulnerability

Definition ∞ A delegatecall vulnerability is a critical security flaw specific to Ethereum smart contracts that utilize the delegatecall opcode. This opcode allows a contract to execute code from another contract in the context of the calling contract’s storage. If not properly controlled, a malicious external contract can manipulate the calling contract’s state variables or even drain its funds. This represents a significant risk for decentralized applications.
Context ∞ News regarding delegatecall vulnerabilities often surfaces following major exploits in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols or other smart contract systems. Developers and auditors continuously review code for improper use of delegatecall to prevent asset loss and maintain protocol integrity. Understanding this specific flaw is vital for comprehending the security challenges and ongoing audit requirements in the smart contract ecosystem.