Definition ∞ Recursive withdrawal describes a vulnerability in smart contract code where a function designed for withdrawing funds can be repeatedly called before the initial withdrawal transaction is fully processed. This allows an attacker to drain more funds than intended from the contract. It represents a critical security flaw that can lead to significant asset loss. This exploit vector is a known risk in decentralized finance.
Context ∞ News reports on smart contract exploits often detail incidents involving recursive withdrawal vulnerabilities, particularly in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. Developers rigorously audit Solidity code to mitigate such risks, as these flaws undermine the trust and security of blockchain applications. Understanding this concept is crucial for comprehending the technical aspects of crypto security breaches.