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
Bitcoin Leverage Liquidation and the Dangers of Excessive Exposure in Unstable Markets
- Bitcoin's leveraged derivatives markets face recurring liquidation crises, exemplified by the 2025 crash wiping $19B in a single day. - Historical events (2020, 2022, 2025) reveal systemic risks from overexposure, exacerbated by absent safeguards and retail investor herd behavior. - Behavioral biases like overconfidence and FOMO drive excessive leverage, while opaque market mechanisms amplify panic selling during downturns. - Institutional strategies (CORM model, hedging derivatives) and disciplined risk

The Untapped Potential for Infrastructure Investment in Upstate New York
- Upstate NY's Webster is transforming via $9.8M FAST NY grants, turning brownfields into a 300-acre industrial hub with upgraded infrastructure. - Xerox campus redevelopment and road projects boosted 250 jobs at fairlife® dairy, while industrial vacancy rates dropped to 2% vs. 6.5% national average. - Investors gain exposure through ETFs like IQRA/REAI or direct land acquisitions near power-ready sites, leveraging state-funded shovel-ready industrial corridors. - Governor Hochul's strategy positions Upsta
Turkmenistan’s 2026 Cryptocurrency Strategy: Government-Led Diversification Under Strict Oversight
- Turkmenistan will implement a 2026 crypto law under President Berdimuhamedov, establishing licensing, AML rules, and state control over digital assets to diversify its gas-dependent economy. - The law mandates mining registration, classifies tokens as "backed/unbacked," and grants the central bank authority over distributed ledgers, prioritizing surveillance over privacy. - While aligning with regional crypto trends, the strict regulatory framework risks deterring private investment due to state oversigh
Bitcoin’s Latest Price Drop: The Result of Shifting Macro Policies and Changing Institutional Attitudes
- Bitcoin fell 33% in late 2025 after hitting $126,080, driven by Fed policy shifts and institutional outflows. - Fed hesitation over rate cuts and delayed jobs data reduced December cut odds, triggering risk-off sentiment. - $3.79B ETF outflows and Solana migration highlighted Bitcoin's liquidity sensitivity amid regulatory uncertainty. - S&P 500 declines and $2B in futures liquidations amplified Bitcoin's November selloff amid macro-institutional convergence. - Long-term adoption by Harvard/Metaplanet an
