Governance Vulnerability

Definition ∞ A governance vulnerability is a weakness in the decision-making or control mechanisms of a decentralized system, such as a blockchain protocol or a DAO. This flaw could allow a malicious actor or a coordinated group to exploit the governance process for their benefit. Such vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized changes, asset manipulation, or system instability. Addressing these weaknesses is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of decentralized platforms.
Context ∞ News in the digital asset space often reports on governance vulnerabilities when discussing protocol upgrades, token holder voting, or potential attacks on decentralized autonomous organizations. A common concern is “whale” influence, where a few large token holders could sway votes to their advantage, potentially compromising the system’s fairness. Ongoing efforts aim to design more robust and equitable governance structures to mitigate these risks and ensure decentralized control.