ChatGPT: A Warning on Creating Logical Code Bugs in Smart Contracts

OpenAI’s ChatGPT has garnered significant attention for its impressive ability to generate human-like text. Kang Li, the chief security officer of CertiK, has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of using such AI tools in the field of smart contract development. Li warns that while ChatGPT may be helpful in identifying bugs, it could inadvertently introduce more logical code bugs into smart contracts than it aims to find.

Smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements with the terms written into code, have gained popularity as a means of automating various processes and transactions. The complexity of these contracts poses significant challenges when it comes to ensuring their robustness and security. Traditional code analysis techniques often fall short, leaving room for bugs, vulnerabilities, and exploits to be discovered by attackers.

In an effort to enhance smart contract security, developers have started exploring the use of AI tools. OpenAI’s ChatGPT is one such tool that has gained recognition for its potential to improve code analysis. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, the system can analyze and generate code snippets, making it valuable for identifying vulnerabilities and errors in smart contracts.

Kang Li warns that while AI tools like ChatGPT can assist in code analysis, they should be used as engineer assistants and not relied upon as the primary means of scrutiny. Li highlights the importance of human expertise in identifying logical code bugs, which can have far-reaching consequences if undetected.

Logical code bugs occur when the code does not behave as intended due to errors in the underlying logic. These bugs are often more challenging to detect than traditional syntax errors and can lead to exploitable vulnerabilities or unintended behavior. While AI tools like ChatGPT can help identify common syntax errors, they may struggle to detect and analyze the intricate logical relationships that underpin smart contract functionality.

Effective code analysis requires a deep understanding of the system’s specifications, security requirements, and potential misuse scenarios. Human engineers possess the contextual knowledge and reasoning capabilities to identify logical bugs that might evade an AI system’s understanding. Relying solely on AI tools like ChatGPT for the analysis of smart contracts may lead to a false sense of security and overlook critical vulnerabilities.

Instead, Kang Li sees AI tools like ChatGPT as valuable tools that can assist engineers in their code analysis and reverse engineering efforts. By leveraging the capabilities of AI, engineers can automate repetitive tasks, identify common patterns, and streamline their analysis workflow. AI tools can help supplement human expertise, improving efficiency and productivity in the field of smart contract development.

Li emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach, where engineers and AI systems work together in a symbiotic relationship. Engineers can provide the necessary guidance and informed decision-making, while AI systems like ChatGPT can aid in code exploration and generation. This combined approach can help mitigate the risks and challenges associated with smart contract development.

While AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT show promise in improving code analysis and identifying vulnerabilities in smart contracts, caution is warranted. Kang Li, the chief security officer of CertiK, warns against solely relying on AI tools for scrutinizing code, as they may introduce more logical code bugs than they aim to identify. Instead, Li advocates for using AI tools as engineer assistants, combining human expertise with machine capabilities to enhance code analysis and reverse engineering efforts. A collaborative approach that leverages the strengths of both human and AI systems is crucial for ensuring the robustness and security of smart contracts.