Foundational proof-carrying code

Abstract

Proof-carrying code is a framework for the mechanical verification of safety properties of machine-language programs, but the problem arises of "quis custodiat ipsos custodes" - i.e. who verifies the verifier itself? Foundational proof-carrying code is verification from the smallest possible set of axioms, using the simplest possible verifier and the smallest possible runtime system. I describe many of the mathematical and engineering problems to be solved in the construction of a foundational proof-carrying code system.