Liquidation Bug

Definition ∞ A liquidation bug refers to a software error or vulnerability within a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol that incorrectly triggers or prevents the liquidation of collateralized positions. Such a bug can lead to significant financial losses for users, protocol insolvency, or market instability due to erroneous asset liquidations. These flaws often arise from complex smart contract logic, oracle integration issues, or unexpected market conditions. They represent critical security risks within the DeFi ecosystem.
Context ∞ News reports on liquidation bugs are often critical events in the DeFi space, detailing large-scale financial losses and subsequent efforts to recover funds or patch protocols. These incidents highlight the inherent risks associated with experimental smart contract systems and the importance of rigorous auditing. Debates frequently occur about the responsibility of protocol developers and the need for robust risk management frameworks. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for assessing the security and reliability of DeFi platforms.