=nil; Foundation Unveils Automated zkEVM Compiler to Bolster Ethereum Scaling Security
Summary:
=nil; Foundation has created a type-1 zero-knowledge compiler for the Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) to tackle identified security issues in similar Ethereum scaling solutions. In an interview, CEO Misha Komarov outlined that the technology allows for automatic high-level programming code compilation into zk-SNARKS circuitry. This method offers direct Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility for transactions and smart contracts. The Foundation's approach automates the zkEVM compiler from Ethereum's EVM using its two-year-old circuit compiler. This ensures better security, efficient implementation, and adaptability to EVM updates. The Foundation shared its prototype code repository and specifications on December 12.
=nil; Foundation, a firm specializing in zero-knowledge technology, has unveiled a novel type-1 zero-knowledge compiler for the Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM). This development comes in response to identified security challenges in similar zero-knowledge-driven Ethereum scaling solutions. In an exclusive interview with Cointelegraph, Misha Komarov, the CEO and co-founder of =nil; Foundation, highlighted that this newly developed technology emphasizes security and facilitates the automatic compilation of high-level programming codes into Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge (zk-SNARKS) circuits. The organization's zkEVM is intended to synchronize with evmone, a C++ rendition of Ethereum's root execution environment.
The notable feature is that the application's coding is processed and bundled into proofs that are presented to Ethereum in a format akin to its EVM. This compatibility guarantees enhanced security and brisker execution as it uses identical bytecode, thus eliminating the need for protracted and cost-intensive code verifications. Additionally, this method offers direct Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility for transactions and smart contracts.
In 2023, several prominent zkEVMs were launched in the industry. These layer-2 protocols aim to accommodate large transaction volumes and assist with Ethereum's smart contract operations. Major companies such as Consensys, Polygon, StarkWare and Matter Labs brought forth ZK-rollup solutions to facilitate high throughput and affordable rates for decentralized applications, services, and network users.
Komarov explained that =nil; Foundation's approach pivots on an automatic compiler, distinguishing it from other zkEVMs that manually delineate circuits. He criticized existing strategies as being laborious, overly intricate, and susceptible to human errors. This issue manifested while a soundness bug was discovered in the ZK-circuits used in Matter Labs' zkSync Era mainnet. ChainLight, a security firm, identified the bug and received a $50,000 US Coin (USDC) reward from Matter Labs in September 2023. The flaw could have permitted an attacker to concoct proofs for improperly executed blocks which would have been accepted by the Ethereum mainnet's smart contract verifier.
Reflecting on the recent discovery, Komarov revealed, "Vitalik Buterin began discussing concerns about circuit security, like the potential for a broken circuit." He continued, "Upon further investigation, it became clear that these circuits are manually written. People spend years developing them, but essentially, they manually replicate what EVM does in their circuit representations."
In Komarov's view, this manual approach complicates code audits. The detected bug in zkSync serves as an example of such potential errors. The solution devised by =nil; Foundation automates the compiler from Ethereum's EVM using its two-year-old circuit compiler. Komarov maintained that this method assures that "the security of the circuit matches that of the original implementation of Ethereum."
The developed solution is also intended to be flexible to EVM updates aligned with Ethereum's future developments, providing a resilient compiler for the zkEVM that, due to its automated design, doesn't necessitate extensive time and resource investments for upgrades. Consequently, it enables the zkEVM to adopt the latest Ethereum Improvement Proposals as they are implemented. The foundation shared its prototype code repository and specifications on December 12.
Published At
12/12/2023 6:00:00 PM
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