Transaction Malleability

Transaction Mempool refers to the holding area for unconfirmed transactions in a blockchain, where they await inclusion in the next block. This vital component helps manage and prioritize pending transactions before they are confirmed.

Transaction malleability refers to the ability to alter the signature of a transaction without changing its essence. This can lead to a situation where the original transaction ID (TXID) is modified, but the recipient still receives the intended funds.When a user initiates a transaction, it is typically signed using a cryptographic method. However, due to specific vulnerabilities in some systems, third parties can adjust parts of the transaction, such as its signature, while keeping the transaction valid. As a result, a new TXID is created.This can cause confusion. For example, a sender may see two transactions reported, even though only one was intended. This can create issues, particularly with services like exchanges or wallets that check for TXIDs to confirm funds.Mitigating transaction malleability has become crucial for ensuring the reliability and perception of security within network operations. Developments like Segregated Witness (SegWit) have been implemented in some cryptocurrencies to address this issue.

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