Cosmos Module - Elys Network

1. Introduction

The Elys Network team engaged Halborn to conduct a security assessment on their cosmos appchain modules, beginning on 05/27/2024 and ending on 06/19/2024. The security assessment was scoped to the sections of code that pertain to the staking & masterchef modules of app chain. Commit hashes and further details can be found in the Scope section of this report.

2. Assessment Summary

Halborn was provided 3 weeks for the engagement and assigned 1 full-time security engineer to review the security of the modules in scope. The engineer is a blockchain and smart contract security expert with advanced penetration testing and smart contract hacking skills, and deep knowledge of multiple blockchain protocols.

The purpose of the assessment is to:

- Ensure that the EStaking & MasterChef Modules operate as intended.

- Identify potential security issues with the custom modules used in the Elys Chain.

In summary, Halborn identified some security issues that were mostly addressed by the Elys Network team.

3. Test Approach and Methodology

Halborn performed a combination of manual and automated security testing to balance efficiency, timeliness, practicality, and accuracy in regard to the scope of the custom modules. While manual testing is recommended to uncover flaws in logic, process, and implementation; automated testing techniques help enhance coverage of structures and can quickly identify items that do not follow security best practices. The following phases and associated tools were used throughout the term of the assessment:

- Research into architecture and purpose.

- Static Analysis of security for scoped repository, and imported functions. (e.g., staticcheck, gosec, unconvert, codeql, ineffassign and semgrep)

- Manual Assessment for discovering security vulnerabilities on the codebase.

- Ensuring the correctness of the codebase.

- Dynamic Analysis of files and modules related to the Elys Network Modules.