Definition ∞ A frontrunning vector describes a specific method or pathway through which a malicious actor can observe a pending transaction and then submit their own transaction with a higher fee to ensure it is processed first. This attack allows the frontrunner to profit from the observed transaction by manipulating market prices or exploiting arbitrage opportunities. It represents a significant vulnerability in systems where transaction order can be influenced by external factors. Identifying and mitigating these vectors is crucial for fair market operation.
Context ∞ Frontrunning vectors are a persistent concern in decentralized finance, particularly within decentralized exchanges and lending protocols. The debate often centers on the design of transaction ordering mechanisms and the role of block builders in mitigating or exacerbating these issues. Solutions involve various protocol-level changes, such as commit-reveal schemes or encrypted transaction pools, to reduce the visibility of pending orders and promote transaction execution fairness.
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