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Metamask: Can I detect from tx metadata if a transaction made with a Metamask account was executed by a script?

Published by Terlumun Aondover on February 5th, 2025.

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Detecting script transactions on Ethereum mainnet

As a user of Web3.js, web3.py, or other web3 libraries that use the MetaMask Chrome plugin to interact with the Ethereum blockchain, you probably know the importance of verifying the authenticity and origin of transactions. In this article, we will see if it is possible to detect script transactions on the Ethereum mainnet using tx metadata.

What is tx metadata?

In Web3.js, tx represents a transaction object that contains information about the transaction being executed, such as its hash, timestamp, price and gas amount, etc. When a user interacts with MetaMask or other web3 libraries, they can send transactions to the Ethereum network using this tx object.

Can we detect script transactions?

To answer your question, it is possible to analyze tx metadata to identify transactions that were executed by scripts rather than users. The key is to look for characteristics of transaction executions that are unique to script interactions.

1. Gas Price and Amount

Scripts often execute with higher gas prices and larger amounts due to their computing power requirements. Additionally, some scripts may use a different gas price or amount that is not typical of user transactions.

2. Transaction Hash Pattern

Scripts can generate complex transaction hashes using cryptographic techniques such as Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) and digital signatures. These hashes can be quite large and difficult to reverse engineer, making it more difficult for scripts to produce them via regular user transactions.

3. Script-Specific Call Patterns

Scripts often use specific APIs or functions that are not available on the Ethereum network to users. For example, some scripts may use the Web3.js eth_call method with a custom ABI (Application Binary Interface) that is not used by users.

4. Transaction Timestamps

Scripts can be designed to run at different times, which can affect transaction timestamps. This can be because the scripts use a different local clock or have their own timers.

To detect script transactions on the Ethereum mainnet, you need to analyze the tx metadata and look for patterns specific to script interactions. Here is an example of how you can do this with Web3.js:


import Web3 from 'web3';
const web3 = new Web3(window.ethereum);
// Define a callback function to check script transactions
async function checkScriptTransactions() {
const accounts = wait web3.eth.getAccounts();
while (true) {
try {
// Send an empty transaction using the current account
const tx = wait web3.eth.sendTransaction({ from: accounts[0], to: '0x...', value: web3.utils.toWei('1', 'ether') });
// Parse tx metadata for script-specific characteristics
if (tx.hash.length > 40) {
console.log(Script transaction detected! Hash: ${tx.hash});
break;
} else {
console.log(No script transactions detected.);
}
} catch (error) {
if (error.code === 'EthereumCommandError' && error.message.includes('Script')) {
console.log(Script command executed! Error: ${error.message});
} else {
console.error(error);
}
}
}
}
checkScriptTransactions();

Conclusion

While it is not possible to detect script transactions with absolute certainty, analyzing transaction metadata can help you identify patterns in script interactions. Combining this analysis with additional information from the blockchain and network activity may help you make more informed decisions about the authenticity of transactions.

Keep in mind that scripts can be designed in different ways, so it is essential to stay up to date with the latest Ethereum developments and best practices for interacting with the blockchain.