security - nzengi/helix-physicalpaper GitHub Wiki
HelixChain employs a multi-layered security architecture that combines traditional cryptographic security with novel physical law enforcement through gear mechanics. This creates unprecedented security guarantees that go beyond purely economic or computational approaches.
-
Network Assumptions
- Network delays are bounded (maximum 2 seconds)
- Messages are eventually delivered
- Up to 1/3 of validators by torque may be Byzantine
-
Cryptographic Assumptions
- SHA3-256 and Ed25519 are cryptographically secure
- Private keys are properly generated and stored
- Random number generation is secure
-
Physical Assumptions
- Laws of physics cannot be violated
- Self-locking conditions are immutable
- Mechanical parameters have realistic bounds
graph TB
subgraph "Adversary Capabilities"
A1[Control < 1/3 Total Torque]
A2[Arbitrary Message Delays]
A3[Network Partitioning]
A4[Validator Collusion]
A5[Economic Attacks]
end
subgraph "Adversary Limitations"
L1[Cannot Violate Physics]
L2[Cannot Forge Signatures]
L3[Cannot Break Cryptography]
L4[Cannot Control > 1/3 Torque]
end
A1 --> L4
A2 --> L1
A3 --> L2
A4 --> L3
A5 --> L1
The core security innovation is the enforcement of mechanical self-locking conditions:
pub struct SelfLockValidator {
friction_angle: f64, // 8.5 degrees - immutable physical constant
friction_coefficient: f64, // 0.15 - material property
}
impl SelfLockValidator {
pub fn validate_validator_parameters(&self, validator: &Validator) -> SecurityResult {
let beta_rad = validator.beta_angle.to_radians();
// Core self-locking condition: tan(φ) ≤ μ × sec(β)
let left_side = self.friction_angle.tan();
let right_side = self.friction_coefficient * (1.0 / beta_rad.cos());
if left_side <= right_side {
SecurityResult::Secure
} else {
SecurityResult::ViolatesPhysics("Self-lock condition violated".to_string())
}
}
pub fn prevent_back_driving(&self, validator: &Validator) -> bool {
// Back-driving prevention through gear mechanics
// Ensures validators cannot reverse consensus decisions
let back_drive_force = self.calculate_back_drive_force(validator);
let resistance_force = self.calculate_resistance_force(validator);
resistance_force > back_drive_force
}
}
#[derive(Debug)]
pub enum SecurityResult {
Secure,
ViolatesPhysics(String),
InsufficientTorque,
InvalidParameters,
}
graph LR
subgraph "Attack Scenarios"
AS1[51% Stake Attack]
AS2[Nothing-at-Stake]
AS3[Long-Range Attack]
AS4[Grinding Attack]
end
subgraph "Physical Constraints"
PC1[Torque Requirements]
PC2[Self-Lock Conditions]
PC3[Efficiency Bounds]
PC4[Beta Angle Limits]
end
subgraph "Security Guarantees"
SG1[Attack Prevention]
SG2[Consensus Safety]
SG3[Liveness Preservation]
SG4[Finality Assurance]
end
AS1 --> PC1 --> SG1
AS2 --> PC2 --> SG2
AS3 --> PC3 --> SG3
AS4 --> PC4 --> SG4
Traditional blockchains are vulnerable when an attacker controls 51% of hash power or stake. HelixChain's torque-based system provides superior protection:
pub struct AttackAnalysis {
pub attacker_stake_percentage: f64,
pub attacker_max_torque: f64,
pub required_torque_for_attack: f64,
pub attack_feasibility: AttackFeasibility,
}
pub enum AttackFeasibility {
Impossible(String),
Difficult(String),
Possible(String),
}
impl AttackAnalysis {
pub fn analyze_51_percent_attack(
total_stake: u64,
attacker_stake: u64,
network_load: f64
) -> Self {
let stake_percentage = (attacker_stake as f64 / total_stake as f64) * 100.0;
// Even with 51% stake, attacker faces constraints
let max_possible_torque = Self::calculate_max_theoretical_torque(
attacker_stake,
network_load
);
let required_torque = 24.0; // Commit threshold
let feasibility = if max_possible_torque < required_torque {
AttackFeasibility::Impossible(
"Insufficient torque even with optimal parameters".to_string()
)
} else if stake_percentage > 51.0 {
AttackFeasibility::Difficult(
"Requires perfect gear parameters and coordination".to_string()
)
} else {
AttackFeasibility::Impossible(
"Insufficient stake for torque generation".to_string()
)
};
Self {
attacker_stake_percentage: stake_percentage,
attacker_max_torque: max_possible_torque,
required_torque_for_attack: required_torque,
attack_feasibility: feasibility,
}
}
}
pub struct NothingAtStakeDefense {
validator_commitments: HashMap<String, ConsensusCommitment>,
fork_detection: ForkDetector,
}
pub struct ConsensusCommitment {
pub validator: String,
pub block_hash: String,
pub torque_invested: f64,
pub mechanical_lock: MechanicalLock,
}
impl NothingAtStakeDefense {
pub fn prevent_multi_fork_voting(&mut self, validator: &str, vote: &Vote) -> Result<()> {
if let Some(existing_commitment) = self.validator_commitments.get(validator) {
// Check if validator is trying to vote on a different fork
if existing_commitment.block_hash != vote.block_hash {
// Mechanical constraint prevents this
let lock_status = existing_commitment.mechanical_lock.check_status();
if lock_status == LockStatus::Engaged {
return Err(anyhow::anyhow!(
"Validator {} is mechanically locked to previous commitment",
validator
));
}
}
}
// Record new commitment with mechanical lock
let commitment = ConsensusCommitment {
validator: validator.to_string(),
block_hash: vote.block_hash.clone(),
torque_invested: vote.torque,
mechanical_lock: MechanicalLock::engage(vote.torque),
};
self.validator_commitments.insert(validator.to_string(), commitment);
Ok(())
}
}
pub struct LongRangeDefense {
historical_gear_states: BTreeMap<u64, GearSystemState>,
checkpoint_manager: CheckpointManager,
}
pub struct GearSystemState {
pub block_height: u64,
pub total_system_torque: f64,
pub validator_parameters: HashMap<String, ValidatorGearParams>,
pub friction_constants: FrictionConstants,
pub mechanical_integrity_hash: String,
}
impl LongRangeDefense {
pub fn validate_historical_consistency(&self, alternative_chain: &[Block]) -> bool {
for (height, block) in alternative_chain.iter().enumerate() {
if let Some(historical_state) = self.historical_gear_states.get(&(height as u64)) {
// Check if alternative chain violates mechanical constraints
if !self.validate_mechanical_transition(historical_state, block) {
return false;
}
}
}
true
}
fn validate_mechanical_transition(&self, prev_state: &GearSystemState, block: &Block) -> bool {
// Mechanical systems cannot arbitrarily change state
let calculated_torque = self.calculate_required_torque(prev_state, block);
let available_torque = block.total_participating_torque;
// Physical constraint: cannot generate more torque than mechanically possible
available_torque <= calculated_torque * 1.05 // 5% tolerance for measurement
}
}
pub struct GrindingDefense {
torque_calculator: TorqueCalculator,
randomness_beacon: RandomnessBeacon,
}
impl GrindingDefense {
pub fn prevent_parameter_grinding(&self, validator: &Validator) -> ValidationResult {
// Grinding attack: trying different parameters to influence selection
// 1. Check if parameters are within realistic bounds
if !self.validate_realistic_parameters(validator) {
return ValidationResult::Rejected("Unrealistic parameters detected".to_string());
}
// 2. Check for rapid parameter changes (grinding indicator)
if self.detect_rapid_parameter_changes(validator) {
return ValidationResult::Rejected("Parameter grinding detected".to_string());
}
// 3. Verify torque calculation determinism
let calculated_torque = self.torque_calculator.calculate_torque(validator, 1.0);
if calculated_torque != validator.last_reported_torque {
return ValidationResult::Rejected("Torque calculation mismatch".to_string());
}
ValidationResult::Accepted
}
fn validate_realistic_parameters(&self, validator: &Validator) -> bool {
// Beta angle must be within mechanical gear limits
let beta_valid = validator.beta_angle >= 5.0 && validator.beta_angle <= 85.0;
// Efficiency must be realistic for mechanical systems
let efficiency_valid = validator.efficiency >= 0.7 && validator.efficiency <= 0.98;
// Stake must be proportional to claimed mechanical capabilities
let stake_valid = self.validate_stake_torque_relationship(validator);
beta_valid && efficiency_valid && stake_valid
}
}
pub struct CryptographicSecurity {
signing_key: Ed25519SigningKey,
verification_keys: HashMap<String, Ed25519VerificationKey>,
hash_function: Sha3_256,
}
impl CryptographicSecurity {
pub fn sign_consensus_message(&self, message: &ConsensusMessage) -> Result<Signature> {
// Combine mechanical and cryptographic security
let mechanical_proof = self.generate_mechanical_proof(message)?;
let combined_payload = self.combine_payloads(message, &mechanical_proof)?;
let signature = self.signing_key.sign(&combined_payload);
Ok(signature)
}
pub fn verify_signature(&self, message: &ConsensusMessage, signature: &Signature, validator: &str) -> bool {
if let Some(verification_key) = self.verification_keys.get(validator) {
// Verify both cryptographic signature and mechanical constraints
let crypto_valid = verification_key.verify(message.as_bytes(), signature).is_ok();
let mechanical_valid = self.verify_mechanical_constraints(message);
crypto_valid && mechanical_valid
} else {
false
}
}
fn generate_mechanical_proof(&self, message: &ConsensusMessage) -> Result<MechanicalProof> {
// Generate cryptographic proof of mechanical constraint satisfaction
MechanicalProof::generate(
message.torque_claim,
message.beta_angle,
message.efficiency,
message.timestamp,
)
}
}
pub struct HashSecurity {
hash_function: Sha3_256,
merkle_tree_builder: MerkleTreeBuilder,
}
impl HashSecurity {
pub fn calculate_block_hash(&self, block: &Block) -> String {
let mut hasher = self.hash_function.clone();
// Include standard blockchain fields
hasher.update(block.height.to_be_bytes());
hasher.update(block.timestamp.timestamp().to_be_bytes());
hasher.update(block.previous_hash.as_bytes());
hasher.update(block.merkle_root.as_bytes());
// Include RotaryBFT specific fields
hasher.update(block.torque.to_be_bytes());
hasher.update(block.validator.as_bytes());
// Include mechanical integrity hash
let mechanical_hash = self.calculate_mechanical_integrity_hash(block);
hasher.update(mechanical_hash.as_bytes());
hex::encode(hasher.finalize())
}
fn calculate_mechanical_integrity_hash(&self, block: &Block) -> String {
let mut hasher = self.hash_function.clone();
// Hash all mechanical parameters to ensure integrity
for param in &block.gear_parameters.beta_angles {
hasher.update(param.to_be_bytes());
}
for param in &block.gear_parameters.efficiency_factors {
hasher.update(param.to_be_bytes());
}
hasher.update(block.gear_parameters.friction_angle.to_be_bytes());
hasher.update(block.gear_parameters.friction_coefficient.to_be_bytes());
hex::encode(hasher.finalize())
}
}
pub struct DDoSProtection {
rate_limiter: TokenBucket,
connection_tracker: ConnectionTracker,
reputation_system: ReputationSystem,
}
impl DDoSProtection {
pub fn handle_incoming_message(&mut self, peer: &PeerInfo, message: &Message) -> HandleResult {
// 1. Rate limiting by peer
if !self.rate_limiter.allow_request(&peer.address) {
return HandleResult::RateLimited;
}
// 2. Connection limits
if self.connection_tracker.exceeds_limits(&peer.address) {
return HandleResult::ConnectionLimitExceeded;
}
// 3. Reputation-based filtering
let reputation = self.reputation_system.get_reputation(&peer.address);
if reputation < 0.3 {
return HandleResult::LowReputation;
}
// 4. Message validation
if !self.validate_message_format(message) {
self.reputation_system.penalize(&peer.address);
return HandleResult::InvalidMessage;
}
HandleResult::Accept
}
}
pub struct PeerAuthentication {
trusted_validators: HashSet<String>,
peer_certificates: HashMap<String, Certificate>,
challenge_response: ChallengeResponseManager,
}
impl PeerAuthentication {
pub async fn authenticate_peer(&mut self, peer: &PeerInfo) -> AuthResult {
// 1. Certificate validation
if let Some(cert) = self.peer_certificates.get(&peer.public_key) {
if !cert.is_valid() {
return AuthResult::InvalidCertificate;
}
} else {
return AuthResult::NoCertificate;
}
// 2. Challenge-response authentication
let challenge = self.challenge_response.generate_challenge();
let response = peer.respond_to_challenge(challenge).await?;
if !self.challenge_response.verify_response(challenge, response, &peer.public_key) {
return AuthResult::InvalidResponse;
}
// 3. Validator status check
if self.trusted_validators.contains(&peer.validator_address) {
AuthResult::ValidatorAuthenticated
} else {
AuthResult::PeerAuthenticated
}
}
}
graph TB
subgraph "Security Monitoring"
SM1[Attack Detection]
SM2[Anomaly Analysis]
SM3[Threat Intelligence]
SM4[Response Automation]
end
subgraph "Metrics Collection"
MC1[Failed Authentication Attempts]
MC2[Suspicious Parameter Changes]
MC3[Network Partition Events]
MC4[Consensus Timing Anomalies]
end
subgraph "Alert System"
AS1[Critical Security Alerts]
AS2[Performance Degradation]
AS3[Network Health Warnings]
AS4[Validator Misbehavior]
end
SM1 --> MC1 --> AS1
SM2 --> MC2 --> AS2
SM3 --> MC3 --> AS3
SM4 --> MC4 --> AS4
pub struct SecurityAuditor {
audit_rules: Vec<AuditRule>,
anomaly_detector: AnomalyDetector,
threat_analyzer: ThreatAnalyzer,
compliance_checker: ComplianceChecker,
}
impl SecurityAuditor {
pub async fn perform_security_audit(&self) -> SecurityAuditReport {
let mut report = SecurityAuditReport::new();
// 1. Validate mechanical constraints across all validators
report.mechanical_security = self.audit_mechanical_constraints().await;
// 2. Check cryptographic integrity
report.cryptographic_security = self.audit_cryptographic_systems().await;
// 3. Analyze network security
report.network_security = self.audit_network_security().await;
// 4. Validate consensus security
report.consensus_security = self.audit_consensus_mechanism().await;
// 5. Check compliance with security policies
report.compliance_status = self.compliance_checker.check_all_policies().await;
report.overall_score = self.calculate_overall_security_score(&report);
report
}
async fn audit_mechanical_constraints(&self) -> MechanicalSecurityReport {
// Verify all validators satisfy self-locking conditions
// Check for parameter manipulation attempts
// Validate torque calculations
// Ensure gear mechanics integrity
MechanicalSecurityReport {
self_lock_violations: 0,
parameter_anomalies: vec![],
torque_calculation_errors: 0,
overall_status: SecurityStatus::Secure,
}
}
}
This comprehensive security analysis demonstrates how HelixChain achieves unprecedented security through the fusion of mechanical engineering principles with advanced cryptographic techniques, creating a blockchain system that is inherently resistant to both traditional and novel attack vectors.