In a landmark moment for open-source crypto software, Bitcoin Core has successfully completed its first public third-party security audit. The audit was conducted by Quarkslab, a respected cybersecurity firm, with funding from Brink and coordination by the Open Source Technology Improvement Fund (OSTIF).
This audit is a major step forward in Bitcoin’s ongoing commitment to transparency and security. It highlights the importance of third-party review in safeguarding the software that underpins the world’s leading cryptocurrency.
Core Areas Under Review
Quarkslab’s audit wasn’t just a routine check. It targeted core components of the Bitcoin Core software that are critical to the network’s integrity and operation. These included:
- •P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Network Protocols
- •Mempool (Transaction Pool) Management
- •Blockchain (Chain) Management
- •Consensus Mechanisms
These sections form the backbone of Bitcoin’s infrastructure, and any flaws here could pose serious risks. Thankfully, the audit found the system to be extremely resilient.
Quarkslab, under funding from Brink and coordination by OSTIF, has completed the first publicly disclosed third‑party security audit in Bitcoin Core’s history. The team focused on core components including the P2P network, mempool, chain management, and consensus. The audit…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) November 20, 2025
Audit Results and Recommendations
The audit uncovered no high or medium-severity vulnerabilities, which is a testament to the quality of Bitcoin Core’s development and review process. The report noted:
- •2 low-risk issues
- •13 recommendations for code and process improvements
While these are relatively minor, the recommendations offer valuable insights for strengthening the system even further.
This transparent process not only boosts user confidence but also sets a high bar for security practices in the blockchain ecosystem.