EtherTuna: A Pseudo-Random Number Generator Oracle for Ethereum Networks Based on Fortuna

Abstract

The deterministic nature of blockchains presents a significant challenge to pseudo-random number generation. Conventional seed-based random number generation methods may not be suitable for deterministic environments as they may be predictable and susceptible to attacks. To address this challenge, this paper proposes the integration of a pseudo-random number generation oracle for the nodes of an Ethereum network. Such an oracle acts as an external provider of pseudo-random numbers, generating random data by using the Fortuna algorithm, which can be used by smart contracts and decentralized applications on the blockchain. However, the integration of an oracle raises additional security and reliability concerns as it relies on a central node that impairs the decentralization of the blockchain and depends on the ability of the oracle to provide unpredictable and non-tampered pseudo-random numbers. The presented implementation can be used in different sectors, such as games of chance, random selection and other scenarios where randomness is essential to guarantee fairness and security. Thus, the integration of a pseudo-random number generation oracle into a Ethereum network can significantly improve the functionality and security of such decentralized applications. In order to show the performance of the proposed system, a comparison is presented that evaluates the security improvements with respect to traditional randomization methods within smart contracts.