$20M EXPLOIT CRIPPLES SONNE FINANCE, HACKER IN NO MOOD FOR NEGOTIATION

Last updated: June 20, 2025, 01:21 | Written by: Marc Andreessen

$20M Exploit Cripples Sonne Finance, Hacker In No Mood For Negotiation
$20M Exploit Cripples Sonne Finance, Hacker In No Mood For Negotiation

The decentralized finance (DeFi) world was rocked on May 15, 2025, as Sonne Finance, a prominent lending protocol on the Optimism network, suffered a devastating $20 million exploit.The attack forced the protocol to halt all operations, leaving users in a state of uncertainty and triggering a sharp 60% drop in the value of its native SONNE token.What makes this incident even more alarming is the hacker's apparent unwillingness to negotiate, signaling a potential dead end for any hope of recovering the stolen funds. Lending protocol Sonne Finance was forced to pause operations after suffering a hack that drained $20 million worth of cryptocurrencies from the market.On May 14, around UTC, Web3 security firm Cyvers detected an ongoing attack on Sonne Finance s USD Coin BITSTAMP:USDCUSD and Wrapped EtherThis event highlights the inherent risks and vulnerabilities that continue to plague the DeFi space, underscoring the critical need for robust security measures and proactive monitoring to protect user assets. BTCUSD Bitcoin $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation Sonne Finance halted operations after a hack drained $20 million in cryptocurrencies, including WETH and USDC.In this article, we'll delve into the specifics of the Sonne Finance hack, exploring how the exploit was carried out, the impact on the protocol and its users, and what lessons can be learned from this unfortunate incident. Related: $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation. Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain were the two networks most targeted by attackers in May, attracting 62% of the attacks. All of the attacks were against decentralized protocols, and no centralized exchange lost funds from an attack.The incident has raised serious questions about the security protocols in place and the potential for future attacks on other DeFi platforms.

Understanding the Sonne Finance Exploit

The Sonne Finance hack wasn't a random occurrence; it was a carefully planned and executed attack that took advantage of a specific vulnerability within the protocol. Sonne Finance suffered a $20 million hack, forcing the protocol to pause operations. The attacker took advantage of a flaw in the recently added Velodrome Finance (VELO) token markets. The hacker stole WETH, VELO, soVELO, and Wrapped USDC (USDC.e) before Sonne Finance could respond.The attacker exploited a flaw in the recently added Velodrome Finance (VELO) token markets.By manipulating the protocol's governance and collateral factors to their advantage, the hacker was able to essentially ""donate"" borrowed funds and then siphon off a staggering $20 million in cryptocurrencies.Cyvers, a Web3 security firm, detected the ongoing attack early on, but the damage was already significant.

What exactly was stolen?

The hacker made off with a variety of digital assets, including:

  • Wrapped Ether (WETH)
  • Velodrome Finance (VELO)
  • soVELO
  • Wrapped USDC (USDC.e)

The speed at which the hacker acted left Sonne Finance scrambling to respond. Sonne Finance, a decentralized lending protocol suffered an attack on Wednesday that led to the loss of $20 million. This triggered a 60% loss in the value of its native SONNE token. At theWithin just 25 minutes, the $20 million in assets had vanished, leaving a trail of disruption and financial loss in its wake.

The Immediate Aftermath: Halting Operations and Token Crash

Upon discovering the exploit, Sonne Finance took swift action by halting all markets on the Optimism network. $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation Sonne Finance halted operations after a hack drained $20 million in cryptocurrencies, including WETH and USDC.This decision, while necessary to prevent further losses, effectively froze user funds and disrupted the platform's functionality.The impact on the SONNE token was immediate and severe, with its value plummeting by a staggering 60%.This sharp decline reflects the market's loss of confidence in the protocol's security and its ability to protect user assets.

The team at XLink reacted quickly, temporarily suspending all operations to prevent further damage. However, the hacker seems to be in no mood for negotiations. According to blockchain investigator PeckShield, the exploiter has already moved a large chunk of the loot ($7.8 million) to a new wallet address.This proactive step was crucial in containing the situation, but it also highlighted the vulnerability of the DeFi ecosystem to such attacks.

Decoding the Exploit: How QuillAudits Sheds Light

Understanding the technical details of the exploit is crucial for preventing similar incidents in the future. $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation ١٥/٠٥ ١٥:٣٦ Sonne Finance halted operations after a hack drained $20 million in cryptocurrencies, including WETH and USDC.Security firms like QuillAudits are actively investigating the Sonne Finance attack to uncover the specific vulnerabilities that were exploited. News that are related to the article cointelegraph.com: $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation from papers and blogs.Their analysis provides valuable insights into the attacker's methods and the weaknesses within the protocol's code. $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation. $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation. COMPBy dissecting the exploit, these firms can help other DeFi projects identify and address potential security risks.

What can we learn from QuillAudits' investigation?

While the full details of QuillAudits' findings are still emerging, their analysis likely focuses on:

  • The specific smart contract functions that were manipulated.
  • The vulnerabilities in the governance and collateral factor mechanisms.
  • The attacker's transaction history and wallet addresses.
  • Potential mitigation strategies to prevent future exploits.

The Hacker's Stance: No Negotiation in Sight

Adding insult to injury, the hacker behind the Sonne Finance exploit appears to be in no mood for negotiation.Blockchain investigator PeckShield has reported that the exploiter has already moved a significant portion of the stolen funds – approximately $7.8 million – to a new wallet address. latest crypto news; news direct to telegram (free) twitter gurus. benjamin cowen into the cryptoverseThis suggests that the attacker has no intention of returning the funds and is instead focused on laundering the stolen assets.The lack of communication or willingness to negotiate further diminishes any hope of recovering the lost funds.

Why is this significant?

In some past DeFi exploits, hackers have been open to negotiation, often demanding a ""bug bounty"" in exchange for returning the majority of the stolen funds.The attacker's refusal to negotiate in this case indicates a more malicious intent and a reduced likelihood of recovery for Sonne Finance and its users.

The Broader Impact on the DeFi Landscape

The Sonne Finance hack serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Sonne Finance halted operations after a hack drained $20 million in cryptocurrencies, including WETH and USDC. Efforts to recover the funds are ongoing.While DeFi offers numerous benefits, including increased accessibility and financial innovation, it also presents unique security challenges. Ever pondered what truly sets a smartphone apart in today's crowded market? Let's embark on a journey into Sony's latest creation, the Xperia 10 VI, and uneaSmart contract vulnerabilities, governance manipulation, and the potential for flash loan attacks are just a few of the threats that DeFi protocols must contend with.

How does this affect user trust?

Incidents like the Sonne Finance exploit can erode user trust in the DeFi space. $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiationSonne Finance halted operations after a hack drained $20 million in cryptocurrencies, iWhen users lose faith in the security of these platforms, they are less likely to participate, hindering the growth and adoption of DeFi technologies.Maintaining a high level of security and transparency is crucial for building and sustaining user confidence.

Security Best Practices for DeFi Protocols

The Sonne Finance hack highlights the importance of implementing robust security measures to protect DeFi protocols from potential attacks. United States Latest News, United States Headlines. Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources. Sonne Finance on Optimism exploited for $20 millionSonne Finance was the latest victim of an exploit, with reports indicating that bad actors siphoned funds from its Circle (USDC) stablecoin and wrapped Ethereum (WETH) contracts.Here are some key best practices that developers and project teams should consider:

  1. Comprehensive Smart Contract Audits: Conduct thorough audits of all smart contracts by reputable security firms.These audits should identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the code.
  2. Formal Verification: Utilize formal verification methods to mathematically prove the correctness and security of smart contracts.
  3. Bug Bounty Programs: Implement bug bounty programs to incentivize white hat hackers to identify and report vulnerabilities.
  4. Multi-Signature Governance: Use multi-signature wallets for governance decisions to prevent single points of failure.
  5. Rate Limiting and Circuit Breakers: Implement rate limiting and circuit breakers to prevent large-scale exploits and mitigate the impact of attacks.
  6. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerting: Monitor the protocol in real-time for suspicious activity and implement alerts to notify the team of potential threats.
  7. Insurance and Risk Mitigation: Explore insurance options to protect users against potential losses from hacks and exploits.
  8. Regular Security Updates: Continuously update and improve the protocol's security based on the latest threat landscape and security best practices.

User Precautions: Protecting Your DeFi Investments

While DeFi protocols have a responsibility to implement robust security measures, users also play a crucial role in protecting their investments. Lending protocol Sonne Finance was forced to pause operations after suffering a hack Jason Scharfman on LinkedIn: $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation Skip toHere are some practical steps you can take to mitigate your risk:

  • Do Your Research (DYOR): Thoroughly research any DeFi protocol before investing your funds. $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation Sonne Finance halted operations after a hack drained $20 million in cryptocurrencies, including WETH and USDC. Efforts toUnderstand the team, the technology, and the security measures in place.
  • Diversify Your Holdings: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Lending protocol Sonne Finance halted operations after a hacker drained $20 million in cryptocurrencies, including WETH and USDC, and fled.Diversify your DeFi investments across multiple protocols to reduce your risk.
  • Use Hardware Wallets: Store your cryptocurrencies in hardware wallets to protect them from online attacks.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all your DeFi accounts to add an extra layer of security.
  • Be Cautious of New Protocols: Exercise caution when interacting with new or unaudited DeFi protocols, as they may be more vulnerable to exploits.
  • Monitor Your Transactions: Regularly monitor your DeFi transactions for any suspicious activity.
  • Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest DeFi security threats and best practices.

Examples of Past DeFi Exploits and Lessons Learned

The Sonne Finance exploit is unfortunately not an isolated incident.The DeFi space has been plagued by numerous hacks and exploits over the past few years. However, when Sonne Finance became aware of the situation 25 minutes later, the hacker had already stolen $20 million in WETH, VELO (VELO), soVELO and Wrapped USDC (USDC.e). Source: Sonne Finance. On May 15 at UTC, Sonne Finance announced on X that All markets on Optimism have been paused.Studying these past events can provide valuable lessons for preventing future attacks.

Notable Examples

  • The Ronin Network Hack (March 2022): A massive $625 million exploit that targeted the Ronin Network, a sidechain used by the popular game Axie Infinity. $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation cointelegraph.com, UTC cointelegraph.comThe attacker gained control of validator nodes, allowing them to drain funds from the bridge contract.This incident highlighted the importance of securing bridge infrastructure and implementing robust validator security.
  • The Wormhole Bridge Exploit (February 2022): A $325 million exploit that targeted the Wormhole bridge, a cross-chain communication protocol.The attacker minted Wrapped Ether (WETH) on Solana without providing the corresponding ETH on Ethereum.This exploit underscored the risks associated with cross-chain bridges and the need for careful validation of cross-chain transactions.
  • The Poly Network Hack (August 2021): A $611 million exploit that targeted the Poly Network, another cross-chain interoperability protocol.The attacker exploited a vulnerability in the protocol's signature validation process.This incident highlighted the importance of rigorous code review and security audits for complex protocols.

Key Takeaways

These past exploits have revealed several key vulnerabilities and weaknesses in DeFi protocols, including:

  • Insecure Bridge Infrastructure: Cross-chain bridges are often a target for attackers due to their complexity and the large amounts of assets they hold.
  • Vulnerabilities in Signature Validation: Weaknesses in signature validation processes can allow attackers to forge transactions and steal funds.
  • Governance Manipulation: Governance vulnerabilities can allow attackers to gain control of a protocol and manipulate its parameters.
  • Arithmetic Overflows: Arithmetic overflows can lead to unexpected behavior and allow attackers to manipulate balances and transfer funds.

Future of DeFi Security: What to Expect

The Sonne Finance hack has undoubtedly shaken the DeFi community, but it also serves as a catalyst for improvement and innovation.As the DeFi space matures, we can expect to see further advancements in security technologies and best practices. Related: $20M exploit cripples Sonne Finance, hacker in no mood for negotiation In response to the initial incident, the XLink team reacted quickly, temporarily suspending all operations on theThe future of DeFi security will likely involve:

  • More Sophisticated Security Audits: Security audits will become more comprehensive and sophisticated, incorporating techniques like formal verification and fuzzing.
  • Advanced Monitoring and Threat Detection: Real-time monitoring and threat detection systems will become more advanced, using AI and machine learning to identify and respond to potential attacks.
  • Decentralized Security Solutions: Decentralized security solutions, such as decentralized firewalls and intrusion detection systems, will emerge to protect DeFi protocols in a more resilient and transparent manner.
  • Increased Collaboration and Information Sharing: Increased collaboration and information sharing among DeFi projects, security firms, and researchers will help to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities more effectively.
  • Regulatory Oversight: As the DeFi space grows, regulatory oversight is likely to increase, which could lead to stricter security standards and requirements.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for the DeFi Industry

The $20 million exploit that crippled Sonne Finance is a stark reminder of the ever-present security risks within the DeFi ecosystem.The hacker's unwillingness to negotiate only exacerbates the situation, leaving users with little hope of recovering their lost funds.This incident underscores the critical need for DeFi protocols to prioritize security, implement robust safeguards, and continuously adapt to the evolving threat landscape. Lending protocol Sonne Finance was forced to pause operations after suffering a hack that drained $20 million worth of cryptocurrencies from the market. On May 14, around UTC, Web3 security firm Cyvers detected an ongoing attack on Sonne Finance s USD Coin (USDC) and Wrapped Ether (WETH) contracts. However, when Sonne Finance became aware [ ]While the future of Sonne Finance remains uncertain, the lessons learned from this exploit can help to strengthen the security of the broader DeFi industry and protect users from future attacks. Sonne Finance, a lending protocol on the Optimism network, was exploited in a $20 million hack. The attacker manipulated the protocol's governance and collateral factors to favour the exploit, allowing them to donate borrowed funds and steal $20 million.The incident serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the importance of continuous vigilance, proactive security measures, and a strong commitment to protecting user assets. 🚨 Breaking News: Sonne Finance has suffered a major security breach, resulting in a $20M loss. CyVers 》Proactive Web3 Security detected the hack and is working on proactive measures toRemember to always DYOR (Do Your Own Research) and understand the risks involved before investing in any DeFi protocol.This event serves as a critical learning experience for the entire DeFi community.

Marc Andreessen can be reached at [email protected].

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