Invariant Check Failure

Definition ∞ Invariant check failure occurs when a predefined condition or property that must always hold true within a system, particularly a smart contract, is violated during execution. These invariants are critical for maintaining the system’s integrity and security, ensuring its state remains consistent and correct. A failure indicates a logical error or a potential exploit within the code.
Context ∞ Reports of invariant check failures are significant in crypto security news, as they often pinpoint critical vulnerabilities that can lead to unexpected behavior, asset loss, or protocol instability. Rigorous invariant testing is a fundamental practice in smart contract auditing. This aims to prevent such failures and enhance the trustworthiness of decentralized applications within the digital asset ecosystem.