An Analysis of the Architecture and Security Evolution of Cross-Chain Bridges

JSYS 2025 October Papers Submission4 Authors

Keywords: Cross-chain bridges, blockchain, blockchain architecture, blockchain security

TL;DR: This paper analyzes the evolution of cross-chain bridge architectures, categorizes the vulnerabilities that have led to major exploits, and introduces a security evaluation framework to guide more robust and trustworthy bridge design.

Abstract: Cross-chain bridges have become essential infrastructure for blockchain interoperability, yet their rapid architectural evolution has been shadowed by systemic vulnerabilities that have led to billions in losses. From early custodial relays to validator-based councils, modular proof systems, and cryptographic light-client designs, each generation has introduced new trade-offs between security, scalability, and trust. This paper analyzes the architectural trajectory of bridges from 2016 through 2025, tracing how design shifts shaped vulnerability profiles and enabled major exploits. We propose a security evaluation framework grounded in eight architectural dimensions that move beyond descriptive attack taxonomies to provide a diagnostic tool for researchers, developers, and auditors. Applied through real-world case studies, the framework highlights how structural risks emerge from design choices and offers a path toward more resilient, trustworthy interoperability infrastructure.

Area: Distributed Consensus

Type: Systemization of Knowledge (SoK)

Revision: No

Submission Number: 4