*Note that this list is very extensive andI have not yet seen a project which includes all points from that list. It's a guidelinewhich includes mandatory as well as “nice to have” things.
Why a Pre-Audit Checklist is Important
A pre-audit checklist serves as the firstline of defense against vulnerabilities in smart contract development. Byaddressing potential issues early on, developers can streamline the auditprocess, focusing on in-depth analysis rather than basic checks. This proactiveapproach not only saves time but also reduces the risk of overlooking criticalflaws that could be exploited once the contract is deployed.
100% Test Coverage:
Ensures that every line of code and everypossible scenario has been tested, reducing the risk of unexpected behaviors inproduction.
Crafted Ideas of Unexpected Call-Paths:
Involves identifying and documentingpotential unexpected interactions with the contract, preparing auditors forcomprehensive evaluation.
NatSpec on Every Function + RationaleBehind Each Validation:
Utilizing NatSpec comments to explain thepurpose and validation logic of each function enhances understandability andtransparency for auditors.
Access Control Explained and RationaleExplained, for Each Function:
Clearly defining who has control overspecific functions and why, ensures that auditors can assess the securityimplications of these decisions.
Extensive Testing for Algorithms andArithmetic Operations + Fuzzing:
Special attention to testing complex logicand operations, including fuzz testing, helps uncover edge cases and potentialoverflow/underflow issues.
Documentation Specifically for GasOptimization: Documenting strategies for minimizing gas costs, including codingpractices, storage optimizations, and the use of assembly where necessary areimportant for auditors to quickly identify complex spots.
Invariant Declaration for Each Contract andCorresponding Tests (Advanced Addition):
Defining and testing invariants (conditionsthat always hold true) adds an extra layer of safety by ensuring the contract'score logic remains consistent.
Overall Protocol Documentation:
Providing detailed documentation about theprotocol, including its design choices, forked origins, or customimplementations, offers auditors context and insight into the project's uniqueaspects.
Which Problem is Solved by the Protocol?
Clearly articulating the specific problemthe protocol addresses helps auditors understand its purpose and assess itseffectiveness.
Cross-Contract Architecture Illustrated:
Visual representations of how contractsinteract within the system aid in identifying potential security risks in theinteractions.
List of Areas of Concern:
Highlighting areas the development team isconcerned about or believes to be secure directs the auditor's focus topotential vulnerabilities or confirms the solidity of certain aspects.
External Integration with Other Projects:Documentation on how the contract integrates with external projects orprotocols is crucial for assessing potential dependencies and externalvulnerabilities.
Explain Emergency Modes:
Outlining the mechanisms for handlingemergency situations, such as pausing the contract or upgrading logic, isessential for crisis management.
Run Automated Tools (Slither, MythX, etc.):
Utilizing automated security analysis toolscan catch common vulnerabilities and coding issues before the manual auditprocess.
Final Steps Before Audit
Identify the Correct Scope: Clearly definewhich contracts and components are to be audited to ensure thorough coverage.
List Each Contract in Scope: Provide adetailed inventory of all contracts involved, facilitating a focused andorganized audit process.
Freeze Last Commit: Establish a freeze oncode changes post the last commit to ensure the code audited is the finalversion, preventing discrepancies between audited and deployed code.
Implementing a comprehensive pre-auditchecklist is a critical step in the development of secure and efficientSolidity smart contracts. This checklist not only prepares the codebase for athorough audit but also embeds a culture of security within the developmentteam.
By addressing potential issues early on,developers can mitigate risks, optimize performance, and ensure that the smartcontracts they deploy stand up to the scrutiny of auditors and the challengesof the real world.
