Delegation Flaw

Definition ∞ A delegation flaw refers to a vulnerability or design defect within a system where the authority or responsibility granted to a secondary entity can be misused or exploited. In blockchain contexts, this often relates to proof-of-stake mechanisms or decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) where token holders delegate their voting power or staking rights. Such a flaw could permit an unauthorized actor to gain control or disrupt operations through the delegated permissions. It represents a security weakness in the trust mechanism.
Context ∞ News regarding delegation flaws typically surfaces in reports on smart contract audits, security incidents involving decentralized protocols, or governance disputes within DAOs. An identified flaw can lead to significant financial losses, governance attacks, or a loss of user confidence in a protocol. Developers prioritize patching such vulnerabilities promptly to maintain the integrity and security of delegated systems, impacting the reliability of various digital assets.