Constructing Trustworthy Smart Contracts

Abstract: Smart contracts form the core of Web3 applications. Contracts mediate the transfer of cryptocurrency, making them irresistible targets for hackers. We introduce ASP, a system aimed at easing the construction of provably secure contracts. The Asp system consists of three closely-linked components: a programming language, a defensive compiler, and a proof checker. The language semantics guarantee that Asp contracts are free of commonly exploited vulnerabilities such as arithmetic overflow and reentrancy. The defensive compiler enforces the semantics and translates Asp to Solidity, the most popular contract language. Deductive proofs establish functional correctness and freedom from critical vulnerabilities such as unauthorized access.