A Survey of Attacks on Blockchain Systems Using a Layer-based Approach

Blockchain technology is very popular nowadays as it ensures decentralization, transparency, and immutability. However, despite its inherent security features, blockchain-based systems have been frequently targeted by adversaries, raising concerns about their trustworthiness. This paper presents a comprehensive study of 24 major attacks against blockchain systems, categorized in a structured, layer-based approach. The study systematically examines the feasibility, underlying incentives, and underlying vulnerabilities exploited in these attacks. We categorize attacks across four blockchain layers, namely the Network, Consensus, Application, and Meta-Application layers, illustrating the diverse nature of security threats. Furthermore, we propose a systematic analysis that enables an in-depth evaluation of attacks, their interconnections, and cascading effects across different layers. This research intends to contribute to the development of robust security strategies that can mitigate vulnerabilities and increase confidence in decentralized systems by providing a structured technique for analyzing blockchain security concerns. Ultimately, this research underscores the critical need for continuous advancements in blockchain security mechanisms to ensure the resilience of blockchain based systems against emerging and evolving threats.