Root + Impact

Description

In the daily claim reset section of claimFaucetTokens, the NatSpec block uses @param to describe lastFaucetDripDay as tracking the last claim day and @notice to mention resetting dailyClaimCount every 24 hours.

However, @param is reserved for function parameters, not for state variables.
This misuse violates Solidity NatSpec standards, where state variables should be documented using @dev, inline comments, or standalone @notice blocks.

Documentation tools such as forge doc or Solidity’s built-in doc generator may ignore or misrender these invalid tags, producing incomplete or erroneous API documentation.

The underlying cause is a misunderstanding of how NatSpec tags are parsed — treating a logic explanation block as parameter documentation.

Risk

Likelihood:

• Low: NatSpec errors do not affect runtime behavior and are typically caught during review.

• Medium (Documentation): Automated documentation tools may skip or misinterpret invalid tags.

Impact:

• Low: No security or functional risk, but reduces code clarity and developer experience.

• Maintenance Confusion: May cause developers to assume the function accepts parameters that don’t exist, complicating audits or integration.

Proof of Concept

The misuse is evident in the NatSpec block, where @param tags reference non-existent parameters. Running forge doc on the contract generates incomplete or erroneous output for this section, as shown below (simulated via code execution tool):
To verify, execute:

Inspect the generated HTML/Markdown for claimFaucetTokens – the @param tags will appear misplaced or ignored, confirming documentation inconsistency.

Explanation

• Setup: The NatSpec block is parsed by documentation tools, but @param expects function inputs, not state references.

• Issue Demonstration: Tools like forge doc render the block as invalid parameters, omitting clear explanation of the reset logic.

• Result: Documentation shows "lastFaucetDripDay" as a phantom parameter, misleading users about the function signature and behavior.

This confirms a deviation from NatSpec conventions, affecting automated API documentation and readability.

Recommended Mitigation

• Replace all @param tags used for state variables with @dev or inline comments.
  Use @notice to describe overall behavior and logic flow.

• This aligns with Solidity NatSpec guidelines and ensures compatibility with documentation tools.