zkCraft: Prompt-Guided LLM as a Zero-Shot Mutation Pattern Oracle for TCCT-Powered ZK Fuzzing

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Authors: Rong Fu, Jia Yee Tan, Ziyu Kong, Shuning Zhang, Xianda Li, Kun Liu, Youjin Wang, Simon Fong
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Zero-knowledge circuits enable privacy-preserving and scalable systems but are difficult to implement correctly due to the tight coupling between witness computation and circuit constraints. We present zkCraft, a practical framework that combines deterministic, R1CS-aware localization with proof-bearing search to detect semantic inconsistencies. zkCraft encodes candidate constraint edits into a single Row-Vortex polynomial and replaces repeated solver queries with a Violation IOP that certifies the existence of edits together with a succinct proof. Deterministic LLM-driven mutation templates bias exploration toward edge cases while preserving auditable algebraic verification. Evaluation on real Circom code shows that proof-bearing localization detects diverse under- and over-constrained faults with low false positives and reduces costly solver interaction. Our approach bridges formal verification and automated debugging, offering a scalable path for robust ZK circuit development.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Software Testing and Debugging Techniques Blockchain Technology Applications and Security Formal Methods in Verification

Publication details

Journal / source
arXiv (Cornell University)
Publication date
31 January 2026
Document type
Preprint