On-Chain Vulnerability

Definition ∞ An On-Chain Vulnerability is a flaw or weakness residing within the code of a smart contract or the fundamental logic of a blockchain protocol itself. This defect can be exploited by malicious actors to compromise digital assets, manipulate protocol rules, or disrupt system operations. Such vulnerabilities exist directly on the distributed ledger.
Context ∞ The identification and remediation of on-chain vulnerabilities are paramount for the security and trustworthiness of decentralized applications and blockchain networks. Regular security audits, bug bounty programs, and formal verification methods are crucial tools employed to detect and address these flaws before they can be exploited, preventing irreversible financial losses.