EVM Attack Vector

Definition ∞ An EVM attack vector is a specific method or vulnerability used to compromise smart contracts or applications operating on the Ethereum Virtual Machine. These vectors exploit weaknesses in contract code, protocol logic, or the EVM’s operational environment, potentially leading to unauthorized asset transfers, denial of service, or manipulation of contract states. Examples include reentrancy attacks, flash loan exploits, and integer overflows, which target the predictable execution model of the EVM. Identifying and mitigating these attack paths is critical for maintaining the security of decentralized finance.
Context ∞ News frequently reports on new EVM attack vectors and their exploitation, particularly within the rapidly evolving DeFi sector. The current situation involves continuous auditing and bug bounty programs aimed at identifying and patching vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. A critical future development is the ongoing research into formal verification methods and safer programming languages to reduce the prevalence of these logic flaws in smart contracts.