Root + Impact

• Root Cause: The README documentation specifies that the function endAuction(tokenId) can be called by anyone to finalize an auction after 3 days, but the codebase implements this functionality under the name settleAuction(uint256 tokenId) in the BidBeastsNFTMarket contract. This mismatch arises from a lack of synchronization between the documentation and the implemented code, leading to an inconsistency in the expected interface.

• Impact: This discrepancy can confuse developers and users who rely on the README, potentially causing failed transactions or integration errors when attempting to call the non-existent endAuction function. While it does not introduce a direct security vulnerability, it undermines the reliability of the documentation, potentially hiding other inconsistencies and reducing trust in the project’s overall accuracy.

Description

• Normal Behavior: The README should accurately reflect the contract’s public interface, including function names, to guide users and developers in interacting with the BidBeastsNFTMarket contract. The intended behavior is for anyone to finalize an auction after its duration (implied as 3 days) by calling a specific function. The codebase implements this with:

  function settleAuction(uint256 tokenId) external isListed(tokenId) {

  Listing storage listing = listings[tokenId];

  require(listing.auctionEnd > 0, "Auction has not started (no bids)");

  require(block.timestamp >= listing.auctionEnd, "Auction has not ended");

  require(bids[tokenId].amount >= listing.minPrice, "Highest bid did not meet min price");

  ​

  _executeSale(tokenId);

  }

  However, the README incorrectly references endAuction(tokenId).

• Vulnerable Behavior: Users or developers following the README may attempt to call endAuction(tokenId), which does not exist, leading to transaction failures or wasted gas. This mismatch could also delay integration efforts as developers troubleshoot the discrepancy, potentially overlooking the correct function (settleAuction) without updated documentation.

Risk

• Likelihood: Low. The issue depends on users or developers relying solely on the README without consulting the codebase or updated documentation. It is unlikely to occur if the codebase is directly accessible or if documentation is corrected promptly.

• Impact: Low. The impact is limited to usability and integration challenges, with no direct financial or security risk. However, it may lead to minor operational inefficiencies, user frustration, and a perception of poor documentation quality, which could affect project adoption.

Proof of Concept

The mismatch between the README and codebase can be demonstrated as follows:

• Documentation Claim: The README states:

  "After 3 days, anyone can call endAuction(tokenId) to finalize the auction."
  This suggests a function named endAuction exists to settle auctions based on a 3-day duration.

• Codebase Reality: The actual function in the BidBeastsNFTMarket contract is settleAuction(uint256 tokenId), which includes checks for an active auction (auctionEnd > 0), an ended auction (block.timestamp >= auctionEnd), and a valid bid amount (bids[tokenId].amount >= minPrice) before executing the sale via _executeSale. The function name and implementation differ from the README’s description.

• Implication: If a user attempts to call endAuction(tokenId) as per the README, the transaction will revert with an "unknown function" error, wasting gas and causing confusion. The correct function, settleAuction, requires the same tokenId parameter and fulfills the same purpose, but the name discrepancy creates a disconnect between expected and actual behavior. This highlights the importance of aligning documentation with the codebase to prevent operational errors and maintain user trust.

Recommended Mitigation

To resolve the mismatch and ensure consistency, update the README to reflect the correct function name or refactor the codebase to match the documented name.

Code Fix: Update Documentation

• Revise the README to state:

  "After the auction ends (typically after the first bid and a set duration), anyone can call settleAuction(uint256 tokenId) to finalize the auction."

Alternative: Refactor Code

Explanation

• Documentation Update: Aligning the README with the existing settleAuction function is the simplest solution, requiring no code changes and ensuring users call the correct function.

• Code Refactor: Renaming settleAuction to endAuction matches the README, maintaining the existing logic while improving consistency. This approach requires updating all internal references and testing to ensure functionality remains intact.

• Clarity: Either solution eliminates confusion, enhances documentation reliability, and supports seamless integration.