zkLend Loses $4.9M in Starknet Exploit, Offers Hacker 10% Bounty for Return of Funds

Decentralized lending protocol zkLend has fallen victim to a $4.9 million exploit on the Starknet network, marking a resurgence in crypto-related hacks after a decline in January.

Azcnews Breaking Zklend Loses $4.9m In Starknet Exploit

According to blockchain security firm Cyvers, the attack occurred on February 12, with the stolen funds being transferred to Ethereum and funneled through Railgun for laundering. However, due to Railgun’s protocol policies, the assets were ultimately returned to the original address.

“zkLend has suffered a $4.9 million exploit on the Starknet network. The stolen funds were bridged to Ethereum and laundered via Railgun, but due to protocol policies, Railgun returned the funds to the original address,” Cyvers reported.

In response, zkLend has extended an offer to the attacker, proposing a 10% bounty in exchange for the return of the remaining funds and immunity from legal action.

Zklend
Zklend

“We understand that you are responsible for today’s attack on zkLend. You may keep 10% of the funds as a whitehat bounty and return the remaining 90%—exactly 3,300 ETH,” the protocol stated.

The firm also issued a firm deadline: “We are working closely with security firms and law enforcement. If we do not hear from you by 00:00 UTC on February 14, 2025, we will move forward with the necessary steps to track and prosecute you.”

While crypto-related hacks saw a 44% year-over-year decline in January 2025, cybercriminals still managed to steal over $73 million that month. Experts warn that the threat remains significant, as 2024 saw hackers siphon $2.3 billion across 165 incidents—representing a 40% increase from 2023’s $1.69 billion in stolen assets.

(2 votes)

4.5/5

(2 votes)

Latest

Pi Coin Price Plunges Amid Crypto Boom

News | Editor Choice | Pi Network

Pi Coin Price Plunges Amid Crypto Boom

While Bitcoin and many altcoins are soaring with double-digit gains, Pi Coin is being left behind. Its price has dropped more than 11% from this month’s peak, despite the broader crypto market rally. However, some technical indicators suggest a potential turnaround may be approaching.

Hbar Could Climb Another 27% As Mega Whales Step Up Accumulation

News | Altcoin | Editor Choice

HBAR Could Climb Another 27% as Mega Whales Step Up Accumulation

The bullish momentum from Bitcoin and Ethereum is spilling over into altcoins, and HBAR is standing out with strong signs of accumulation by major investors.

Impressive Figures Of Binance After 8 Years Of Operation

Policy & Regulations | Editor Choice

Impressive Figures of Binance After 8 Years of Operation

After 8 years of operation and contributing to the growth of crypto, Binance has consistently proven to be the leading exchange in the world across all aspects.

Top Countries With Cryptocurrency Tax Exemptions In 2025

Altcoin | Editor Choice

Top Countries with Cryptocurrency Tax Exemptions in 2025

Taxes are always a headache for traders. Below is a list of countries with the most favorable tax rates for investors and startups.

The Largest Web3 Event Ever Held In Turkey

News | Editor Choice | Policy & Regulations

Istanbul Blockchain Week 2025: The Largest Web3 Event Ever Held in Turkey

Istanbul Blockchain Week 2025 has set a new record, becoming the most spectacular edition in the event’s history. Taking place on June 26–27 at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel, the two-day conference attracted thousands of global Web3 experts and investors to Türkiye’s economic hub.