Invariant Manipulation

Definition ∞ Invariant manipulation is a type of exploit where an attacker disrupts the fundamental mathematical relationships or rules designed to be constant within a smart contract or protocol. This attack targets the core logic that governs asset balances, exchange rates, or other critical parameters. Successful invariant manipulation can lead to unauthorized asset transfers, incorrect pricing, or system instability. It represents a severe security breach within decentralized systems.
Context ∞ Invariant manipulation is a critical security concern in decentralized finance, often discovered during post-mortem analyses of major exploits. Protocol developers prioritize robust invariant checks and formal verification to prevent such attacks. News often covers incidents where these fundamental rules were breached, underscoring the need for continuous security enhancements.