The Challenge of Auditing Smart Contracts
As we dip our toes into the world of generative artificial intelligence, questions arise about the potential of AI tools to match up against the seasoned pros in niche fields—like auditing smart contracts. Recently, a battle of wits unfolded between OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4 and OpenZeppelin’s fierce Ethernaut security challenge, which left us chuckling and pondering at the same time.
What is Ethernaut?
Now, if you’re not familiar with Ethernaut, let me break it down. It’s essentially a wargame played within the Ethereum ecosystem, featuring 28 smart contracts, which are more like puzzles waiting to be cracked. Think of it as an escape room where the challenge is to exploit the smart contract properly. We either leave as victors, or, well, let’s not dwell on that!
ChatGPT-4 Takes the Stage
So, here’s the scoop: OpenZeppelin’s Mariko Wakabayashi and Felix Wegener threw ChatGPT-4 into the Ethernaut ring. The AI gobbled up 20 out of 28 contracts, which is not just impressive, it’s a solid B, right? But this AI struggled with levels introduced after the September 2021 data cutoff. Talk about showing up unprepared to an important exam!
Human Touch vs. AI Efficiency
After the dust settled, both Wakabayashi and Wegener concluded that while ChatGPT-4 can be a helpful ally in the auditing process, it’s not ready to take over entire audit teams. Picture a trusty sidekick that knows the ropes but might trip over its shoelaces when it comes to complex tasks. They assured the Web3 community that job security is still a thing, suggesting that instead of replacing auditors, AI could enhance their efficiency. Maybe it could fetch coffee too? But seriously, the total demand for audits is exceedingly high, so the human workforce will likely continue to grow.
The Road Ahead: Training AI Right
What does the future hold? If we train AI using more specific data and define clear objectives, it might just evolve into a trusty sidekick that can manage more than the index of a blog post. Wakabayashi hinted that tailored AI models could outperform general-purpose chatbots when it comes to accuracy and reliability. Now, wouldn’t that be a win-win?
Conclusion: Why Human Auditors Still Rule
In the end, while ChatGPT-4 has proven its abilities within a controlled environment, it falls short of dethroning human auditors in the realm of smart contract security. Human auditors bring a level of precision and nuanced understanding that makes them irreplaceable, for now at least. So, fellow BUIDLers, worry not! You’re still the superhero of smart contracts—flapping capes and all!
