EvoChain: A Framework for Tracking and Visualizing Smart Contract Evolution
Ilham Qasse, Mohammad Hamdaqa, Björn Þór Jónsson
TL;DR
EvoChain tackles the challenge of understanding smart contract evolution on immutable blockchains by providing a dataset and a graph-based platform to track upgradeable proxies, their implementations, and vulnerabilities. It combines data from EthereumETL and Etherscan, uses PROXIFY to detect upgradeable contracts, stores relationships in a Neo4j graph, and offers a Flask-based API plus an interactive web UI for exploration. The framework captures roughly 14,990 historical versions across about 1.3 million upgradeable proxies, enabling auditors, developers, researchers, and investors to analyze upgrade paths, security remediation, and transparency. This work enhances trust in blockchain ecosystems by delivering an accessible, end-to-end tool for understanding smart contract evolution and maintenance patterns.
Abstract
Tracking the evolution of smart contracts is challenging due to their immutable nature and complex upgrade mechanisms. We introduce EvoChain, a comprehensive framework and dataset designed to track and visualize smart contract evolution. Building upon data from our previous empirical study, EvoChain models contract relationships using a Neo4j graph database and provides an interactive web interface for exploration. The framework consists of a data layer, an API layer, and a user interface layer. EvoChain allows stakeholders to analyze contract histories, upgrade paths, and associated vulnerabilities by leveraging these components. Our dataset encompasses approximately 1.3 million upgradeable proxies and nearly 15,000 historical versions, enhancing transparency and trust in blockchain ecosystems by providing an accessible platform for understanding smart contract evolution.