Solana News Today: Deceptive Chrome Extension Secretly Drains Solana Assets by Abusing User Trust
- 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.
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.
You may also like
CME Suspension: Global Market Vulnerabilities Revealed by Thermodynamic Constraints
- CME Group halted Globex trading on Nov 28, 2025 due to CyrusOne cooling system failure in Chicago, freezing 90% of global derivatives markets. - The outage caused erratic price swings in gold/silver and disrupted EBS forex platforms, exposing vulnerabilities in third-party data center reliance. - Despite post-holiday timing softening immediate impact, the incident highlighted systemic risks from thermodynamic limits in AI-era infrastructure. - CME faces pressure to build redundant systems as it expands c

Turkmenistan's Approach to Cryptocurrency: Navigating Government Oversight and Public Confidence
- Turkmenistan will implement strict crypto regulations from 2026, requiring miner registration, exchange licensing, and anti-money laundering protocols under President Berdimuhamedov. - The framework mirrors Central Asian neighbors' approaches but prohibits anonymous transactions, national symbols in branding, and hidden mining operations. - While aligning with global crypto oversight trends, the law maintains state control over digital assets, raising questions about market viability amid Turkmenistan's

Ethereum Updates Today: Institutional Optimism Meets Technical Challenges: The Pivotal Moment for Crypto
- Ethereum and XRP face critical technical junctures on Nov 28, 2025, with ETH testing $2,500–$3,200 support and XRP hovering near $2.30 amid mixed signals. - Bitcoin's bearish trend (50-day EMA at $100,937) contrasts with JPMorgan's "tradable macro asset" designation, potentially attracting institutional capital. - Solana's BONK memecoin launches a physically-backed ETP on SIX Swiss Exchange, bridging meme coins and traditional markets amid SOL's $140 support risks. - Market dynamics highlight institution

How a Query from an Office Supplies Specialist Transformed a $12 Billion Trucking Approach
- A non-trucking board member's question prompted Ryder System to shift focus from leasing to targeting 80-85% of companies owning their own trucks. - The strategic pivot aligns with growing demand in long-haul freight driven by e-commerce, trade agreements, and tech innovations like IoT fleet management. - Industry consolidation and sustainability trends, including electric trucks, are reshaping competition as firms expand specialized services like temperature-controlled logistics. - Ryder's experience hi
