Control Flow Graphs
A control flow graph is a directed graph that represents all paths that might be traversed through a program during its execution. Nodes represent basic blocks of code, and edges represent the flow of control, such as branches, loops, or function calls.
In security auditing, these graphs are essential for visualizing the logic of a contract and identifying unreachable code or potentially dangerous execution paths. By analyzing the flow, auditors can trace how data moves through the contract and identify where it might be manipulated.
This is particularly useful for identifying complex vulnerabilities that are not apparent from the source code alone. It allows researchers to map out the entire logic space of a protocol and ensure that all paths lead to secure outcomes.
It is a standard tool for both manual review and automated analysis. Understanding control flow is vital for deep-dive security assessments.