Reentrancy

Definition ∞ Reentrancy is a security vulnerability in smart contracts that allows an attacker to repeatedly execute a function before the initial execution has completed. This occurs when a contract makes an external call to another untrusted contract, which then calls back into the original contract before its state has been updated. The attacker can exploit this loop to drain funds or manipulate contract logic. It represents a critical flaw in contract design that necessitates careful coding practices. Preventing reentrancy is a primary concern for secure smart contract development.
Context ∞ Reentrancy vulnerabilities have been responsible for significant financial losses in the cryptocurrency space, particularly in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. The ongoing discussion revolves around best practices for smart contract security, including the use of reentrancy guards and the principle of “checks-effects-interactions.” Key debates focus on the effectiveness of static analysis tools versus formal verification in detecting such flaws. Future developments to watch include the adoption of more secure programming patterns and the development of advanced auditing methodologies to mitigate reentrancy risks.