Smart Contract Weakness

Definition ∞ A smart contract weakness identifies a flaw or vulnerability within the code or logic of a self-executing agreement on a blockchain. These defects can be exploited by malicious actors, leading to unintended outcomes such as asset theft, protocol manipulation, or frozen funds. Such vulnerabilities often arise from coding errors, design oversights, or unexpected external interactions.
Context ∞ Smart contract weaknesses represent a persistent and critical security concern in decentralized finance, frequently resulting in substantial financial losses and a loss of user confidence. The industry heavily relies on security audits, bug bounties, and formal verification methods to identify and rectify these flaws. Continuous vigilance and security best practices are essential for mitigating these risks.