The Ronin Bridge experienced a significant outflow of $11.8 million, prompting a pause in operations. The incident is suspected to involve white hat activity.
Points
- Ronin Bridge saw a suspicious outflow of $11.8 million.
- Operations paused to investigate potential MEV bot exploit.
- Past security breaches raise concerns about network governance.
The Ronin Bridge, a critical infrastructure for the popular play-to-earn game Axie Infinity, has paused its operations following a suspicious outflow of $11.8 million. This significant transaction occurred at around 9:37 a.m. UTC, involving the transfer of more than 3,996 ETH. The bridge was subsequently paused at 10:15 a.m. to allow for an investigation into the incident.
Initial reports suggest that the transaction could involve white hat activity, where ethical hackers exploit vulnerabilities to highlight security flaws. Axie Infinity and Ronin Network co-founder Aleksander Larsen, also known as “Psycheout,” confirmed the pause in operations and announced ongoing investigations. He assured users that the bridge, which secures over $850 million, remains safe.
The Ronin Bridge has previously been a target for hackers. In March 2022, it suffered a devastating hack where 173,600 ETH and $25.5 million USDC were stolen. This breach was one of the largest in the history of blockchain, prompting a temporary shutdown and a significant fundraising effort to reimburse affected users. Earlier this year, wallets belonging to Jeffrey Zirlin, co-founder of Sky Mavis （the creators of Axie Infinity）, were also compromised, resulting in a $9.7 million loss.
Despite the latest incident, Ronin’s cryptocurrency, RON, has shown resilience. The token dropped around 4% immediately following the transaction but has since participated in a broader market recovery, gaining over 9% in the past 24 hours.
These repeated security breaches underscore the need for robust governance and security measures within the Ronin Network. The network’s centralized nature, with the team acting as sole validators, has been a point of vulnerability. Addressing these governance issues is critical to restoring user confidence and ensuring the long-term stability of the network.
解説
- Ronin Bridge Outflow: Highlights the ongoing security issues with blockchain bridges and the need for vigilant monitoring.
- White Hat Activity: Suggests the potential for ethical hacking to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
- Historical Breaches: Previous incidents, including the massive 2022 hack, stress the importance of robust security protocols and governance.
- Market Resilience: Despite security concerns, RON’s price recovery reflects a resilient market and strong community support.