Bitget App
Trade smarter
Buy cryptoMarketsTradeFuturesEarnSquareMore
Solana News Today: Deceptive Chrome Extension Secretly Drains Solana Assets by Abusing User Trust

Solana News Today: Deceptive Chrome Extension Secretly Drains Solana Assets by Abusing User Trust

Bitget-RWA2025/11/27 21:56
By:Bitget-RWA

- A malicious Chrome extension, Crypto Copilot, secretly siphons 0.0013 SOL or 0.05% from Solana transactions via hidden transfer instructions. - The extension exploits Raydium DEX and obfuscated code to bypass detection, routing fees to attacker-controlled wallets without user awareness. - Despite a takedown request, the extension remains available on Chrome Web Store, highlighting growing browser-based crypto threats affecting 15 users as of 2025. - Cybersecurity experts warn of rising malicious crypto e

Crypto Copilot Chrome Extension Secretly Steals Fees from Solana Trades

A deceptive Google Chrome extension called Crypto Copilot has been exposed for covertly extracting hidden fees from users conducting Solana (SOL) transactions. Promoted as a tool for seamless Solana swaps directly from social media, the extension exploits users’ trust in browser-based trading solutions.

Cybersecurity experts at Socket discovered that Crypto Copilot secretly inserts an extra transfer command into every transaction. This results in a concealed fee—either 0.0013 SOL or 0.05% of the transaction value—being funneled to a wallet controlled by the attacker. The extension’s interface only displays the legitimate swap, effectively hiding the additional on-chain instruction that executes simultaneously.

How the Attack Works

Crypto Copilot utilizes Solana’s decentralized exchange Raydium to process swaps. However, it appends a SystemProgram.transfer instruction to siphon off funds. Unlike traditional wallet-draining attacks that empty entire balances, this extension quietly skims a small amount from each trade, making detection more difficult.

The malicious code is heavily obfuscated to avoid security scans, and its backend is hosted on a seemingly inactive domain. The main website is currently parked, further masking its true purpose. Despite a removal request sent to Google, the extension remains available on the Chrome Web Store since June 18, 2024, and has reportedly been installed by at least 15 users as of November 2025.

Rising Threats from Malicious Extensions

This incident highlights a growing wave of attacks leveraging browser extensions within the cryptocurrency sector. In recent months, similar tactics have been used by other extensions, including a popular wallet tool and a Jupiter DEX aggregator, both of which have been implicated in draining Solana wallets.

According to industry reports, an 18-month investigation uncovered 186 crypto-related malicious extensions, many of which evaded antivirus detection for extended periods. With the Chrome extension ecosystem reaching over 3 billion devices, these threats can spread rapidly, often using misleading permissions or cloned interfaces to deceive users.

Protecting Yourself from Extension-Based Scams

The stealthy fee skimming by Crypto Copilot can lead to significant losses, especially for frequent traders. Security professionals recommend several precautions:

  • Carefully review all transaction details before approving any operation.
  • Refrain from installing unverified or suspicious browser extensions.
  • Regularly audit installed extensions for unnecessary permissions.
  • Check wallet connection histories for unusual activity.
  • Enable transaction simulation features on Solana explorers to spot irregularities.

Broader Security Concerns in DeFi

This case also underscores persistent security challenges in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. While Solana’s ecosystem continues to expand with major upgrades like Firedancer and Alpenglow, vulnerabilities in user-facing tools remain a significant risk. As both institutional and retail investors increasingly use crypto ETFs and multi-chain wallets, comprehensive security audits and ongoing user education are essential to reduce exposure to such threats.

0

Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

PoolX: Earn new token airdrops
Lock your assets and earn 10%+ APR
Lock now!

You may also like

XRP News Today: Institutional ETFs and Derivatives Indicate a Positive Shift for XRP Above Crucial Support Levels

- XRP rebounds above $2.20 as buyers defend key support, supported by $107.92M in ETF inflows and rising institutional confidence. - Technical analysis highlights a bullish "Staircase to Valhalla" pattern, with $2.26-$2.52 resistance levels and Fibonacci targets signaling potential for $2.69. - Derivatives data shows aggressive long-positioning (OI: $4.11B), with Binance's 2.56 long-short ratio and 57% options OI surge reinforcing bullish momentum. - Institutional ETF conversions (e.g., Grayscale Zcash) an

Bitget-RWA2025/11/28 04:32
XRP News Today: Institutional ETFs and Derivatives Indicate a Positive Shift for XRP Above Crucial Support Levels

Why Switzerland's Temporary Halt on Crypto Highlights Worldwide Regulatory Disunity

- Switzerland delays crypto tax data-sharing until 2027, highlighting global regulatory fragmentation amid CARF adoption challenges. - Two-phase approach prioritizes domestic law alignment before reciprocal agreements with key economies like U.S., China, and Saudi Arabia. - 75 CARF signatories progress unevenly, with U.S. and Brazil proposing alternative frameworks, complicating cross-border compliance. - Swiss crypto firms face operational risks during transition, as critics warn of regulatory arbitrage b

Bitget-RWA2025/11/28 04:32
Why Switzerland's Temporary Halt on Crypto Highlights Worldwide Regulatory Disunity

Thailand’s Bold No-Crypto-Tax Move: Shaping a Future Southeast Asian Crypto Center

- Thailand imposes 0% capital gains tax on local crypto trading (2025-2029) to boost its digital economy and attract investors. - The policy aligns crypto profits with tax-exempt stock trading, supported by a 2024 Bitcoin ETF and Tourist DigiPay pilot for foreign visitors. - Regulatory caution is evident through biometric data shutdowns and PDPA compliance, balancing innovation with security amid regional competition. - Projected $1B annual economic gains aim to position Thailand as a top Southeast Asian c

Bitget-RWA2025/11/28 04:32

The Transformation of Webster, NY: Targeted Property and Infrastructure Initiatives After the Xerox Era

- Webster , NY, secured a $9.8M FAST NY grant to transform the former Xerox campus into a shovel-ready industrial hub, part of Governor Hochul’s upstate revitalization strategy. - Infrastructure upgrades, including road and sewer improvements, aim to attract advanced manufacturing and logistics firms by reducing development risks and costs. - The Xerox campus redevelopment includes mixed-use projects, projected to create 250 jobs and boost property values through residential and commercial integration. - W

Bitget-RWA2025/11/28 04:30
The Transformation of Webster, NY: Targeted Property and Infrastructure Initiatives After the Xerox Era