Bitcoin: High Threshold Multisig Transaction Error – “Signature Must Be Zero for Failed CHECK(MULTI)SIG Operation”
In the world of Bitcoin, multisig transactions are a crucial mechanism that allows multiple users to control and authorize a certain amount of funds. However, when these transactions reach their destination, things can quickly go wrong. Recently, we discovered a pattern in the logs where 5 out of 8 P2SH (Private Key Hash) scripts failed the CHECK(MULTI)SIG operation, with an essential requirement being that the signature be “zero” for the failed check to occur.
In this article, we will delve into the details of the problem and explore potential solutions to fix it. Understanding what is happening behind the scenes and how to approach troubleshooting will help you effectively improve your Bitcoin infrastructure and ensure successful multisig transactions.
What is a CHECK(MULTI)SIG operation?
The CHECK(MULTI)SIG operation is an important function in the Bitcoin protocol that verifies the signature of a P2SH transaction. It is important to ensure that only authorized users (signatories) can control funds and to prevent unauthorized transactions from being made. The operation verifies the integrity of the script and signatures associated with the transaction.
The problem: 5-of-8 P2SH script failures
When attempting to run a 5-of-8 P2SH script, the CHECK(MULTI)SIG operation fails, resulting in a “Signature must be zero for failed CHECK(MULTI)SIG operation” error. This indicates that there is a problem with the signature being generated or verified for the transaction.
Causes of the error
There are several possible causes for this issue:
- Invalid script: The script itself may contain errors that prevent the CHECK(MULTI)SIG operation from completing successfully.
- Non-zero signatures: Insufficient or non-existent signatures can cause the operation to fail.
- Script length exceeds threshold: Bitcoin uses a 64-byte limit for scripts; exceeding this limit can cause verification failures.
High threshold multisig transaction failure – “Signature must be zero” requirement
In summary, the problem lies in the “Signature must be zero for failed CHECK(MULTI)SIG operation” requirement. This is an essential security feature designed to prevent unauthorized transactions from being executed. If a high threshold (e.g. 5 out of 8 P2SH scripts) fails the CHECK(MULTI)SIG operation, an error message will appear indicating that the signature must be zero.
How to troubleshoot
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
- Check script integrity: Make sure the script is valid and properly formatted.
- Check signatures: Make sure all signatures are present and properly generated.
- Adjust script length: If exceeding the 64-byte limit is a concern, consider shortening the script to meet this requirement.
- Consider multisig configuration: Check your multisig configuration to make sure it is set up correctly.
Conclusion
To summarize, Bitcoin: High threshold multisig transaction error – “Signature must be zero for failed CHECK(MULTI)SIG operation” is a legitimate issue that requires attention. By understanding the cause of the problem and implementing troubleshooting steps, you can improve your multisig infrastructure and ensure successful transaction processing.