Share this article
Ethereum Browser Bug Could Put User Funds At Risk
Using ethereum browser Mist may put cryptocurrency private keys at risk, according to an Ethereum Foundation blog post.
Updated Sep 13, 2021, 7:16 a.m. Published Dec 15, 2017, 12:05 p.m.
Make us preferred on Google
Using ethereum browser Mist may put cryptocurrency private keys at risk, according to an Ethereum Foundation blog post published today.
The threat arises from a newly discovered vulnerability, which the blog post classifies as "high severity," and impacts all existing versions of the browser. However, Mist browser compatible Ethereum Wallet is not affected, the post clarifies.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
As a result, Mist users are urged to avoid "untrusted" websites, and to default to Ethereum Wallet to manage any funds.
The vulnerability stems from the underlying software framework, Electron. Electron's delay in upgrading to correct known security issues has led to "an increasing potential attack surface as time passes," the post's author, Mist developer Everton Fraga, said.
As a result, Mist is considering migrating to a fork of Electron from Brave – named Muon – that has a more frequent release schedule.
In the post, Fraga stressed that Mist is still in beta mode, and users that engage with the browser do so without warranty.
He said:
"The Mist Browser beta is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and there are no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability or fitness of purpose."
The developer further described security as a "never-ending battle" in browser development, writing: "making a browser (an app that loads untrusted code) that handles private keys is a challenging task."
Sponsored by the Ethereum Foundation, Mist is the most popular ethereum browser for browsing decentralized applications (dapps).
Code image via Shutterstock
More For You
KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
More For You
Silver nears $1 billion in volume on Hyperliquid as bitcoin remains frozen: Asia Morning Briefing
Silver perps have more volume on Hyperliquid than SOL or XRP.
What to know:
- Silver futures on the Hyperliquid crypto derivatives exchange have surged to become one of its most active markets, ranking just behind bitcoin and ether in trading volume.
- The SILVER-USDC contract’s high volume, sizable open interest and slightly negative funding suggest traders are using crypto infrastructure for volatility and hedging in macro commodities rather than for directional crypto bets.
- Bitcoin is holding near $88,000 in a "defensive equilibrium" with cooling ETF inflows, uneven derivatives positioning and rising demand for downside protection, while ether lags and capital rotates toward hard assets like gold and silver.
Top Stories
