EvoChain: a Recovery Approach for Permissioned Blockchain Applications

TL;DR

EvoChain introduces a controlled mutability framework for permissioned blockchains, enabling data correction and recovery within a grace period without compromising security, validated through a supply chain application.

Contribution

The paper presents EvoChain, a novel chaincode extension that allows temporary data mutability for correction purposes in permissioned blockchains.

Findings

Minimal performance overhead observed.

Enabled data redaction and recovery during grace periods.

Maintained blockchain security and data consistency.

Abstract

Blockchain technology supports decentralized, consensus-driven data storage and processing, ensuring integrity and auditability. It is increasingly adopted for use cases with multiple stakeholders with shared ownership scenarios like digital identity and supply chain management. However, real-world deployments face challenges with mistakes and intrusions. This article presents EvoChain, a chaincode framework extension introducing controlled mutability for data redaction and recovery under time-limited or specific conditions. This mechanism allows corrections during a grace period before immutability takes effect. We validated our approach using WineTracker, a Hyperledger Fabric-based supply chain application. It enables some users to cancel unwanted operations while preserving the blockchain security and maintaining data consistency. Performance evaluations showed minimal overhead with functional benefits.