Your Vote
Decides
Web3's Best

Security Alert: Mystery Exploit Hits EVM Chains With Hundreds of Wallets Drained in Massive Attack

Michael Adeleke
2 hours ago
Michael Adeleke

Michael Adeleke

Crypto Journalist
Expertise : Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, DeFi
Michael Adeleke is a passionate crypto journalist known for breaking down complex blockchain concepts and market trends into clear, engaging narratives. He specializes in delivering timely news and sharp market analysis that keeps crypto enthusiasts informed and ahead of the curve. With an engineering background and a degree from the University of Ibadan, Michael brings analytical depth and precision to every piece he writes.
Read full bio
Why Trust CoinGape
CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

Highlights

  • Coordinated wallet-draining attack detected across multiple EVM chains.
  • Over $107,000 has been stolen so far, with most victims losing under $2,000 each.
  • The cause of the exploit has not been identified yet, as researchers continue to investigate.

It has been brought to light that a recent and unprecedented security incident has been discovered in the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains. Blockchain researchers have warned that the ongoing crypto hack attack has already affected a massive number of users.

Wallet Draining Attack Spreads Across EVM Chains

Crypto investigator ZachXBT shared that there is a coordinated attack that has been draining funds from various Ethereum-based networks. Most individual victims have lost less than $2,000 each. However, more than $107,000 has been lost altogether at this point, and more incidents are yet to be discovered.

It is especially worrying in this case that there is no clarity on what compromised the wallets. Till now, no particular phishing attack or smart contract issue has been linked to the crypto hack.

Data indicates that the attacker transferred the stolen funds into various blockchains. The highest holding is in Ethereum, which holds about $54,600. The second one is BNB Chain, holding about $25,500. Stolen amounts were also tracked on platforms like Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, Optimism, Zora, Linea, and Avalanche.

Source: Debank.io

It is found that there is a possible link between at least one of the addresses and the Trust Wallet hack. The hack was a result of codes injected into the Wallet’s extension in version 2.68. The hack took place during the Christmas holidays.

As per earlier reports, this hacked extension has resulted in a loss of around $7 million. The Trust Wallet CEO, Eowyn Chen, on Thursday confirmed that this extension was removed from Chrome Web Store due to an issue which arose while it was updating. The latest version offers better tools to enable users to easily claim their refunds and verify their ownership of the wallet.

December Marked by Surge in Crypto Hacks

This incident comes as part of a terrible month for security on the entire crypto market. There have been about 26 major exploits, according to blockchain security company PeckShield, with estimated losses close to $76 million, reported in December alone.

A loss of $50 million was recorded in a case of address poisoning. Here, scammers used similar-looking addresses to lure users into sending payments to the wrong place.

The second major crypto hack was a result of a leakage of a private key used in a multi-signature wallet, thereby resulting in the loss of over $27 million. The US government had warned earlier regarding the increased chances of online scams during the holiday season, with Americans falling prey to fraud on a scale of hundreds of millions every year.

As reported by blockchain analytics companies, the amount of theft associated with cryptocurrencies in the past year was $2.7 billion. The Bybit theft of $1.4 billion even shattered records of thefts such as Ronin and Poly Network.

A great part of these losses has come from hacking groups connected with states. Hackers from North Korea are responsible for the largest number of hacks in crypto.

Advertisement
coingape google news

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more… to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

Newsletter
Your crypto brief.
Delivered every day.
  • Insights that move markets
  • 100,000 active subscribers
By signing-up you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
About Author
About Author
Michael Adeleke is a passionate crypto journalist known for breaking down complex blockchain concepts and market trends into clear, engaging narratives. He specializes in delivering timely news and sharp market analysis that keeps crypto enthusiasts informed and ahead of the curve. With an engineering background and a degree from the University of Ibadan, Michael brings analytical depth and precision to every piece he writes.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.
Your Vote
Decides
Web3's Best
Cross