Solana Program Security Guide

Introduction

Solana's account model and Rust-based programming environment present unique security challenges. This guide covers the vulnerabilities specific to Solana program development.

Account Validation

Solana programs must explicitly validate every account passed to them. Missing validation is one of the most common vulnerabilities.

validate_accounts.rs

// Always validate account ownership and type
pub fn process_transfer(accounts: &[AccountInfo]) -> ProgramResult {
    let [payer, token_account, authority] = accounts else {
        return Err(ProgramError::NotEnoughAccountKeys);
    };
    
    // Validate token account ownership
    if token_account.owner != &spl_token::ID {
        return Err(ProgramError::IncorrectProgramId);
    }
    
    // Validate authority is signer
    if !authority.is_signer {
        return Err(ProgramError::MissingRequiredSignature);
    }
    
    // Continue with validated accounts...
    Ok(())
}

Common Vulnerabilities

Missing signer checks
Missing owner checks
Integer overflow without checked math
PDA seed collision
Arbitrary CPI (Cross-Program Invocation)

Use Anchor framework when possible - it handles most account validation automatically.

Account Validation

Verify every account explicitly

Signer Checks

Never skip signature verification

Use Anchor

Framework handles common pitfalls

Solana Program Security Guide

Introduction

Account Validation

Common Vulnerabilities

Account Validation

Signer Checks

Use Anchor

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