Analysing Attacks on Blockchain Systems in a Layer-based Approach

TL;DR

This paper systematically analyzes 23 attacks on blockchain systems using a layer-based framework, offering insights into attack feasibility, motivation, and potential countermeasures to enhance system trustworthiness.

Contribution

It introduces a layer-based categorization and a framework for analyzing attack impact and interconnections in blockchain systems, filling a gap in existing security research.

Findings

Categorized 23 attacks using a layer-based approach

Provided a systematic framework for attack impact analysis

Identified potential attack vectors and countermeasures

Abstract

Blockchain is a growing decentralized system built for transparency and immutability. There have been several major attacks on blockchain-based systems, leaving a gap in the trustability of this system. This article presents a comprehensive study of 23 attacks on blockchain systems and categorizes them using a layer-based approach. This approach provides an in-depth analysis of the feasibility and motivation of these attacks. In addition, a framework is proposed that enables a systematic analysis of the impact and interconnection of these attacks, thereby providing a means of identifying potential attack vectors and designing appropriate countermeasures to strengthen any blockchain system.