Using SGX for Meta-Transactions Support in Ethereum DApps

TL;DR

This paper proposes an SGX-based architecture for Ethereum DApps that enables secure, fee-free meta-transactions directly relayed from a web server, addressing security and usability challenges in onboarding new users.

Contribution

It introduces a novel SGX-enabled meta-transaction architecture that allows secure, fee-free DApp operation without relying on off-chain relayer services.

Findings

Enables deployment of fee-free DApps with security guarantees

Reduces reliance on off-chain relayer services

Improves onboarding experience for new Ethereum users

Abstract

Decentralized applications (DApps) gained traction in the context of the blockchain technology. Ethereum is currently the public blockchain that backs the largest amount of the existing DApps. Onboarding new users to Ethereum DApps is a notoriously hard issue to solve. This is mainly caused by lack of cryptocurrency ownership, needed for transaction fees. Several meta-transaction patterns emerged for decoupling users from paying these fees. However, such solutions are mostly offered via off-chain, often paid relayer services and do not fully address the security issues present in the meta-transaction path. In this paper, we introduce a new meta-transaction architecture that makes use of the Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX). Unlike other solutions, our approach would offer the possibility to deploy a fee-free Ethereum DApp on a web server that can directly relay meta-transactions to the Ethereum network while having essential security guarantees integrated by design.