ZK/SEC Quarterly

educative · zk

WE-KZG: Encrypt to KZG.

Ever wondered if you could create a ciphertext that's only decrypted when a polynomial inside a commitment has a particular value? We’ve explored this notion using KZG commitments in our latest Asiacrypt 2024 paper. Dive into the elegant world of Witness Encryption and see how it can be applied in cool ways like Laconic Oblivious Transfer. This approach keeps things as efficient as regular KZG operations and might just spark some creative applications of your own! Curious to learn more? Let’s explore together!

Mathias Hall-Andersen October 08, 2024 10 min Read →

educative · zk

zkHack x zkSecurity (Whiteboard Session) - What is Zero-Knowledge (like, actually)?

We're excited to join zkHack's new season of whiteboard sessions, where you'll dive into the real meaning of "Zero Knowledge" with Nicolas Mohnblatt and David Wong. Discover when true zero-knowledge is at play, explore the differences between honest and dishonest verifiers, and understand why adaptive models are preferred. We'll unpack methods for generating hiding commitments and give you a comprehensive overview of the zero-knowledge aspects of PLONK. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your understanding of ZK and its various applications!

ZK/SEC October 04, 2024 1 min

Jolt · Part 1

A challenge on the Jolt zkVM

Last weekend, we had a blast crafting challenges for a CTF event at the MOCA Italian hacker camp. One cryptography challenge, "2+2=5," involved the Jolt zkVM and a RISC-V program. In this post, we share the ins and outs of the challenge, the clever use of a modified Jolt library, and how we managed to prove an invalid execution without triggering verification alarms. Get ready to dive into the world of Jolt and pick up some nifty insights on exploiting cryptographic systems like a true hacker.

Giorgio Dell'Immagine September 24, 2024 10 min

Proof is in the Pudding 2 of 11 parts in this issue

Part 2

Archetype x zkSecurity (Whiteboard Session) - Proof is in the Pudding: zkTLS

In our "Proof is in the Pudding" series, hosted with Archetype, we dive into the world of zkTLS, also known as zkOracles, HTTPz, or MPC-TLS. You'll get the inside scoop on various approaches like public oracles, TEE methods such as TownCrier, and hybrid models using MPC protocols. It's a perfect chance to explore cutting-edge TLS technologies and see how they shape secure communication. Check out the recorded session on Archetype's channel!

ZK/SEC October 16, 2024

Part 1

Archetype x zkSecurity (Whiteboard Session) - Proof is in the Pudding: Arithmetization

Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating world of arithmetization as David from our team breaks down the process of converting logical statements into algebraic forms to create arithmetic circuits, essential for constructing ZK proofs. This unedited recording from our "Proof is in the Pudding" series offers a unique opportunity to grasp these foundational concepts, perfect for anyone keen on unlocking the mechanics behind zero-knowledge proofs. Curious? Check out the session on Archetype's channel!

ZK/SEC October 03, 2024

announcement · security

zkSecurity took part in judging the latest zkHack Montreal

We recently had the thrill of judging the latest zkHack competition in Montreal, where developers, researchers, and enthusiasts dove into the world of zero-knowledge proofs and privacy tech. The projects were incredibly innovative, featuring creative applications like ZK breathalyzers and ZK & GPS solutions. Check out the exciting results and insights from this year's event. You won't want to miss what these brilliant minds are bringing to the table!

ZK/SEC September 02, 2024 1 min

zkbugs · Part 1

Reproducing and Exploiting ZK Circuit Vulnerabilities

Check out our latest blog post where we dive into the world of Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) vulnerabilities, sharing our insights from replicating known ZK circuit weaknesses. We’ve launched a GitHub repo with detailed scripts to help you understand, reproduce, and learn from these vulnerabilities. Discover how this hands-on approach aids in grasping attack vectors, testing fixes, and enriching educational resources. Whether you're a researcher or a developer, this post is packed with info to enhance your knowledge and skills in ZKP security. Plus, find out how you can contribute to expanding this invaluable resource!

Stefanos Chaliasos, Chenyang Yu August 09, 2024

noname · Part 3

noname 2.0: Unlocking Numeric Generics, Folding Schemes, and a Playground

We're excited to introduce the preview of noname 2.0, packed with features that make developing advanced ZK circuits easier than ever. This update includes flexible generic-sized arrays, seamless integration with folding schemes for IVC, and an interactive online playground to test and share code. We've also optimized R1CS constraint generation to boost performance. Plus, there are numerous community-driven enhancements and bug fixes that make the language more robust and user-friendly. Dive in to explore the specifics of our journey, learn from the contributions of our vibrant open-source community, and see how noname is evolving into a more versatile tool for developers.

ZK/SEC August 08, 2024

security · zk

Exploring Leo: A Primer on Aleo Program Security

In this blog post, we dive into Aleo, a blockchain platform that leverages zero-knowledge cryptography for creating private and scalable decentralized applications. You'll discover how Leo, its Rust-like programming language, simplifies app development by allowing developers to focus on robust privacy features without delving deep into cryptographic complexities. We also explore Leo's unique design, offering practical tips on avoiding common pitfalls and potential vulnerabilities like underflows and unauthorized access. Whether you're a developer curious about building privacy-focused solutions or just intrigued by blockchain innovation, you'll find valuable insights here.

Suneal Gong August 07, 2024

tools · zk

Verifying Cairo proofs on Ethereum

We've been teaming up with StarkWare to create the EVM adapter, and we're thrilled to say that we've recently verified Cairo proofs on the Ethereum mainnet! Building on the work of Andrew Milson and Aditya Bisht, we're making StarkWare’s technology more accessible to everyone. Our blog dives into how Cairo programs are verified on Ethereum and showcases our new library, `stark-evm-adapter`, which helps parse Cairo proofs for Ethereum. Interested in seeing how it works? Check out our demo and learn how to integrate this tech into your system. Plus, stay tuned for future updates as we refine and expand this exciting tool!

Jason Park August 06, 2024

educative · consensus

Beyond the Whitepaper: Where BFT Consensus Protocols Meet Reality

We’ve teamed up with Matter Labs and Sigma Zero to dive deep into the security of Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus protocols. In our new paper, we explore real-world vulnerabilities found in BFT systems, including popular algorithms like BA*, HotStuff, and Paxos. You'll discover insights into subtle bugs, cryptographic issues, and the challenges of translating theoretical models into secure, working code. Whether you’re designing or implementing these protocols, our findings offer valuable lessons and strategies for creating more secure and reliable distributed systems. Check it out, it’s a must-read for anyone working with BFT!

ZK/SEC August 05, 2024