In this third whiteboard session in partnership with Archetype, we explain how a recent paper on Fiat-Shamir security and the GKR protocol works.
Proof is in the Pudding · Part 3 of 10
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Optimizing Cryptography with AI
Many of us are using AI to generate code. Vibe coding cryptography is especially sensitive - you have to uphold strict mathematical correctness. This can lead to wrong security guarantees and soundness bugs. We will discuss what are some patterns to do it well.
Introducing zkvmBlast: Differential Fuzzing for Ethereum's zkVMs
zkVMs are moving to the center of Ethereum's roadmap, which means a bug in a zkVM is turning into a bug in Ethereum itself. We built zkvmBlast, a zkVM-agnostic differential fuzzer that runs the same program across SP1, RISC0, OpenVM, Pico, Zisk, and Airbender against a reference simulator and flags any disagreement. It hunts for both soundness and completeness bugs, with a deliberate focus on completeness, an under-explored class that can turn a single valid block into a liveness failure. We share the first batch of findings.
Circom-Auditor: Open-Source Skills for Finding Vulnerabilities in Circom Code
We are releasing zk-skills, a set of open-source security skills for AI coding agents, starting with circom-auditor: a first line of defense against vulnerabilities in Circom circuits, compatible with both Claude Code and Codex. On the zkbugs benchmark it detects up to 66 of 70 known bugs when pointed at the vulnerable circuits, and up to 40 of 56 when let loose on the full original codebases, far ahead of existing Circom security tools.
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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!
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!
Trust, But Measure: A Friendly Intro to TEEs with Intel TDX
In the latest session of "Proof is in the Pudding," we teamed up with Archetype to explore the basics of Trusted Execution Environments. Through a collaborative whiteboarding session, we break down key concepts and practical applications, making this tech topic accessible and engaging. Dive in to discover how these environments can enhance digital security in a straightforward way.
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Common Circom Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them, Part 1
Programming in Circom comes with its fair share of challenges. After reviewing numerous Circom codebases, we’ve identified certain anti-patterns that occur frequently. In this series, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of these issues to help you avoid the most common pitfalls. Of course, this won’t be a complete list of every mistake possible (Circom has plenty of ways to trip you up). But the footguns we’ll cover are the ones that tend to catch developers off guard the most.
Detecting boomerang values in zero-knowledge circuits using tag analysis
Ever wonder how zkApps ensure their execution is spot-on? This post digs into the idea of *boomerang values*, sneaky bugs that can crop up when zkApps mix in-circuit and out-of-circuit logic. We explore how these values disrupt your circuit's trustworthiness, especially when variables are reintegrated unverified. Plus, we share how tools like MIRAI's tag analysis can help spot these issues, making your zkApps more secure. Perfect for anyone into zero-knowledge applications or budding Rust enthusiasts looking for insights on taming complex bugs!
Bug Hunt: Zero-Knowledge, Full-Paranoia, and the AI That Stares Back
Over the past year, we've been diving into whether AI can effectively identify bugs in zero-knowledge circuits and applications, sparking questions about the future of auditing. This led us to develop SnarkSentinel, an AI-powered auditing tool. We'll share what worked, what didn’t, and how our journey with AI could impact auditing. From early challenges with Circom to innovative methods like retrieval-augmented generation and agent-led probing, we'll give you a peek into our findings, including both successes and setbacks with bug detection. Discover how AI might enhance or change the landscape of auditing and what this means for developers and security pros alike.