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Hundreds of cryptocurrency wallets across various EVM-compatible chains are being drained in an ongoing attack, with losses mounting and the root cause still unidentified. On-chain sleuth ZachXBT has been tracking the incident, reporting that the attacker targets a large number of wallets for relatively small sums, typically under $2,000 per victim. While individual thefts are modest, the cumulative impact has reached approximately $107,000 and is expected to rise.
Key Takeaways
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Hundreds of crypto wallets have been drained across multiple EVM chains.
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The total losses have exceeded $107,000 and are still increasing.
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The attacker is targeting small amounts from each wallet, usually under $2,000.
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The root cause and the attacker's identity remain unknown.
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A suspicious address, 0xAc2e5153170278e24667a580baEa056ad8Bf9bFB, has been flagged as the destination for stolen funds.
Scope of the Attack
The attack is widespread, affecting a variety of EVM-compatible networks. Data shared by ZachXBT indicates significant amounts stolen from:
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Ethereum: Approximately $54,655 (51%)
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BNB Chain: Approximately $25,545 (24%)
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Base: Approximately $8,688 (8%)
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Arbitrum: Approximately $6,273 (6%)
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Polygon: Approximately $3,498 (3%)
Smaller sums have also been taken from Optimism, Ink, Zora, Linea, and Manta Pacific. This broad targeting suggests an automated script exploiting compromised private keys or unauthorized spender allowances, though no specific decentralized application (dApp) or wallet provider has been definitively linked to the exploit.
User Protection and Context
Given the ongoing nature of the attack and the unidentified entry point, users are advised to remain vigilant. Monitoring wallet activity for suspicious transactions and regularly checking transaction history are recommended. Tools like Revoke.cash can be used to revoke approvals for potentially compromised smart contracts. If users identify unauthorized transactions, they should move remaining funds to a new, secure wallet immediately.
This incident occurs amidst a broader trend of crypto exploits. While December saw a significant decline in losses compared to November, with approximately $76 million lost across 26 major exploits, the current wallet drain highlights the persistent security challenges in the ecosystem. Notably, a recent exploit of the Trust Wallet browser extension during the Christmas holiday resulted in around $7 million in losses, with Trust Wallet initiating a compensation process for affected users.
Sources
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Hundreds of crypto wallets drained across EVM chains, root cause still unidentified: ZachXBT, The Block.
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On-Chain Sleuth ZachXBT Alerts Users of Mystery Wallet Drain Targeting EVM Chains, BitPinas.
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Ongoing Wallet Attack on EVM-Compatible Chains Causes Significant Losses, Value The Markets.
This article was created with support from AI-driven technology, drawing on multiple reputable sources. The final content has been thoroughly reviewed and edited by BlockzHub's editorial team to ensure accuracy, clarity, and coherence. Original reporting sources are credited whenever appropriate and as required. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the official views or positions of BlockzHub. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or professional advice. Investing involves risk, and you should consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.