Formalizing MEV: A Theoretical Framework for Blockchain Security Analysis → Research

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Briefing

This research addresses the critical absence of a formal theoretical framework for Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) attacks, a pervasive issue where adversaries manipulate transaction ordering to extract value from smart contracts. It proposes a comprehensive, abstract model of blockchains and smart contracts, establishing a rigorous theoretical basis for MEV. This foundational theory enables the development of robust security proofs, which are essential for designing future blockchain architectures resilient to economic exploitation and enhancing overall system integrity.

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Context

Prior to this work, MEV was largely understood through empirical observations of economic attacks on DeFi protocols, lacking a cohesive theoretical foundation. The prevailing challenge involved widespread value extraction through transaction manipulation, which created systemic risks and undermined user trust without a formal model for analysis or mitigation. This empirical understanding presented a significant limitation for developing provably secure blockchain designs.

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Analysis

The paper introduces a formal theory of MEV by constructing a general, abstract model of blockchains and smart contracts. This model precisely defines the conditions under which adversaries can reorder, drop, or insert transactions to extract value. The core mechanism involves a rigorous mathematical framework that captures the strategic interactions enabling MEV, moving beyond anecdotal evidence to a provable understanding.

This approach fundamentally differs from previous empirical analyses by providing a basis for formal security proofs. The theory delineates the precise boundaries of MEV, offering a conceptual blueprint for mitigating these complex economic attacks.

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Parameters

Core Concept → Maximal Extractable Value Theory
New System/Protocol → Formal MEV Model
Key Authors → Bartoletti, M. et al.
Problem Addressed → Insufficient MEV theoretical foundations
Application Domain → Public Blockchains, DeFi Protocols

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Outlook

This foundational theory opens new avenues for designing blockchain protocols with inherent MEV resistance, moving towards provably secure decentralized finance. Future research will leverage this abstract model to construct and verify mitigation strategies, leading to more equitable and robust on-chain environments. The practical application of this work will involve architecting blockchain systems that are resilient to economic manipulation, fostering greater trust and adoption within the ecosystem.

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Verdict

This research establishes the indispensable theoretical bedrock for understanding and actively combating Maximal Extractable Value, fundamentally strengthening blockchain security paradigms.

Signal Acquired from → arxiv.org