BIP 62 Implementation: An Overview of Ethereum’s Address Hash Function
Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, has pioneered the implementation of advanced cryptographic techniques to secure its decentralized applications (dApps). One of these key components is the address hash function, specifically BIP 62, which addresses the problem of malleability. This article will review the current state of implementation and examine how much of BIP 62 has been adopted by the Ethereum network.
What is BIP 62?
BIP 62, also known as “Solving Malleability,” was introduced in April 2017 as a protocol to address the problem of malleable non-DER encoded ECDSA signatures. This feature allows for more complex cryptographic operations on the Ethereum network while maintaining security and usability.
The Malleability Problem
Malletability refers to the ability of an attacker to create a fake digital signature that mimics an existing one, with minor modifications (e.g., by changing only the hash or data). In traditional cryptography, malleable signatures can be created by modifying only the input data, making them particularly attractive for attacks such as smart contract manipulation.
BIP 62: A Solution to Malleability
The BIP 62 protocol addresses this problem by implementing a set of rules and restrictions that limit the number of possible hash functions for a non-standard size (NIST) type. Specifically:
- Non-DER Encoded ECDSA Signatures: Only NIST SHA-512, SHA-384, SHA-256, DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm), and Ed25519 hashes are allowed for these signature types.
- Non-push operations in scriptSig: This section limits the size of push operations to 4 bytes.
- Sending zero padding: This rule limits the length of zero padding numbers sent by scriptSig.
- Possible functions and constants: Some intrinsic functions and constants (e.g. 0x00, 0x01, …, 0x63) are restricted.
Implementation status:
Although BIP 62 was introduced in April 2017, the adoption rate has been slower than expected. According to a Cointelegraph report from March 2023:
- Only about 25% of Ethereum’s total hash functions (THFs) have been updated to comply with BIP 62 rules.
- Most THFs still use older or insecure algorithms.
Conclusion
The implementation of BIP 62 is a significant step in addressing the resilience of the Ethereum network. However, the adoption rate is still relatively low compared to other cryptocurrencies and mainstream blockchain platforms. As the Ethereum ecosystem continues to evolve, it is important for developers to prioritize security and compliance with established standards, such as BIP 62.
Recommendations
To accelerate the transition to a more secure Ethereum:
- Prioritize Compliance: Focus on updating THFs that are vulnerable to vulnerability attacks.
- Implement New Algorithms
: Consider implementing newer, more secure cryptographic protocols in the future.
- Educate and Collaborate: Share knowledge about BIP 62 and other security best practices among developers and researchers.
By doing this, we can create a more resilient and reliable Ethereum ecosystem that protects users from agile attacks and maintains its place as a leading platform for decentralized applications.
