The Case For Modular Security Post-LayerZero/KelpDAO
Contents
There has been a lot of criticism directed at LayerZero in the aftermath of the LayerZero/KelpDAO incident. But what are the solutions being called for? Ironically, many commentators are effectively demanding modular security without realizing that's what they're asking for. Composable, application-specific verification is precisely the design philosophy behind both Hyperlane and LayerZero, in contrast to more monolithic approaches like Wormhole, Axelar, and CCIP. Any new "aggregation framework" that people propose would simply replicate the principle already underlying these systems, without the lindiness and tooling.
This document is our attempt to understand what happened, challenge some of the narratives that emerged in the aftermath, and lay out what we believe needs to change — including in our own systems.
How Cross-Chain Attestation Works
The architecture is broadly shared across all general interop protocols. A smart contract on the source chain emits an event when a message is sent. Off-chain agents — called DVNs …
This document is our attempt to understand what happened, challenge some of the narratives that emerged in the aftermath, and lay out what we believe needs to change — including in our own systems.
How Cross-Chain Attestation Works
The architecture is broadly shared across all general interop protocols. A smart contract on the source chain emits an event when a message is sent. Off-chain agents — called DVNs …