Smart Contract Obfuscation via Layered Blockchain Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart contracts on blockchain networks are vulnerable to hacking due to their publicly accessible nature, making it difficult to apply conventional obfuscation techniques, and existing security methods do not adequately protect them from analysis and exploitation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that generate and register multiple obfuscated smart contracts on a blockchain network, increasing the complexity and resource requirements for analysis, thereby discouraging hackers by creating a layered obfuscation structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If smart contract code is disclosed for blockchain transparency, then blockchain transparency and trust are improved, but security vulnerability to hacking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple copies of the smart contract code with different obfuscation levels. The original readable code is preserved for transparency, while obfuscated copies are deployed for security. These copies function identically but present different levels of complexity to potential attackers, allowing the system to maintain both transparency and security simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the smart contract code by changing its parameter representation through obfuscation techniques. Variable names, function names, and control flow structures are modified to different parameter forms that preserve functional behavior but increase analysis difficulty. This allows the same contract to exist in both readable and obfuscated forms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional obfuscation techniques are applied to smart contracts, then security is improved, but compatibility with blockchain virtual machines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies obfuscation techniques selectively to specific portions of the smart contract code rather than uniformly across the entire contract. Critical security-sensitive sections are heavily obfuscated while maintaining compatibility with the virtual machine, whereas other sections remain more accessible. This localized approach preserves VM compatibility while providing security where most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the smart contract into multiple segments or sections, each with different obfuscation levels. The contract is segmented into functional modules that can be independently obfuscated, allowing the system to apply security measures to specific segments without compromising the entire contract's compatibility with the blockchain virtual machine.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple obfuscated smart contracts are generated and registered, then security against hacking is improved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple obfuscated versions of the smart contract are organized in layers. The contracts are registered in a hierarchical manner on the blockchain, with each layer providing additional security. This nesting approach manages complexity by organizing multiple contracts systematically rather than as separate independent entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates obfuscated smart contracts that serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same obfuscated contract structure provides both security protection against hacking and maintains functional equivalence to the original contract. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using a single obfuscation framework for multiple security purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are an apparatus and method for obfuscating a smart contract. The apparatus for obfuscating a smart contract includes: memory; and a controller configured to, when obtaining a first smart contract, generate a second smart contract by obfuscating at least part of the first smart contract, to generate a third smart contract based on the first smart contract, and to register the second and third smart contracts on a blockchain network. Meanwhile, the embodiments disclosed herein are the technology developed through “BlueBears: Enhanced Security Armor Service for Robust Smart-contract” of the 2023 Fintech Blockchain Technology Commercialization Support Project (FB230059) sponsored by the Seoul Business Agency of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.