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29 Apr 2026, 12:30

Litecoin’s MWEB Bug Let An Attacker Create 85,034 LTC

Litecoin developers have disclosed that a critical validation flaw in the network’s Mimblewimble Extension Block implementation allowed an attacker to create an inflated pegout of 85,034.47285734 LTC in March 2026, before a coordinated emergency response recovered the funds and neutralized the accounting imbalance. The incident, detailed in a postmortem published by Litecoin developer David Burkett on April 28, also set the stage for a second April event in which a later exploit attempt triggered a denial-of-service failure mode, disrupted upgraded mining nodes, and led to a 13-block invalid chain being reorged out. A Critical Litecoin MWEB Validation Failure According to the postmortem, the root issue was a missing validation check in Litecoin’s MWEB block connection path. MWEB inputs are supposed to reference previous MWEB outputs, while carrying metadata used by balance and spend validation logic. That metadata must match the actual MWEB UTXO being spent. In normal mempool and block construction paths, that check existed. But it was not fully enforced during block connection. That gap allowed a malicious block producer to include an MWEB input whose supplied metadata did not match the real UTXO, making a small input appear capable of supporting a much larger pegout. “The intended rule is simple: when an MWEB input spends a previous output, the metadata supplied by the input must match the actual MWEB UTXO identified by the input’s output ID,” the postmortem states. “That check existed in some paths, including normal mempool and block construction paths. But it was not fully enforced in the block connection path.” The exploit occurred at block height 3,073,882. The attacker used an MWEB input with an actual value described as unknown, but “not more than 1.2084693 LTC,” while using fake commitment data to generate a pegout of 85,034.47285734 LTC. The inflated funds were initially sent to a transparent Litecoin address and later split into three transparent-chain outpoints. Because exploitation required bypassing normal transaction relay and block-building checks, the attacker needed to mine a block or control a miner willing to include malformed MWEB data. Miner Coordination, Frozen Outputs And Recovery Once developers identified the vulnerability and confirmed it had already been exploited, they coordinated privately with major mining pools. The aim was to prevent further exploit blocks without immediately alerting the actor before the inflated outputs could be contained. Litecoin Core 0.21.5 and 0.21.5.1 were deployed as emergency miner-focused releases. The latter added a historical exception for the already-accepted exploit block and temporarily rejected spends of the three attacker-controlled transparent outputs. The attacker later attempted to spend at least one frozen output, but upgraded miners rejected the transaction. Developers then contacted the actor, who agreed to sign a recovery transaction returning the funds except for an 850 LTC bounty. “The actor later signed a recovery transaction,” the postmortem says. “That transaction paid: 84,184.47278630 LTC total to the recovery address, split across two outputs. 850.00000000 LTC to an address controlled by the actor as the agreed bounty.” The postmortem adds that Charlie purchased 850 LTC to cover the bounty gap. The full 85,034.47285734 LTC was then pegged back into MWEB at block height 3,078,098, and the resulting MWEB output was frozen. This was designed to restore MWEB’s internal supply balance while ensuring the rebalancing output could not be spent. Litecoin developers said no confirmed user funds were ultimately lost in the March incident. Still, the response required emergency miner coordination, staged releases and special-case handling of historical exploit data. April Attempt Triggered A 13-Block Invalid Chain The second incident began on April 25 at block height 3,095,931, when another actor attempted to use the same original exploit path. Upgraded nodes rejected the malformed MWEB data, but the rejection exposed a separate mutated-block handling issue. The postmortem explains that some serialized MWEB body data could be mutated without changing the canonical Litecoin block hash. When an upgraded node received such a mutated MWEB block over peer-to-peer channels, it could fail while applying the MWEB body, classify the failure as “BLOCK_MUTATED,” and retain the bad serialized data for that block hash. That could interfere with later valid block processing and mining RPC flows such as submitblock. “During the April incident, this caused upgraded mining nodes to reject the bad block but also become unable to continue normal mining operations quickly enough,” the postmortem states. “Unupgraded miners, which did not enforce the MWEB fix, continued extending the invalid chain until upgraded miners coordinated and overtook it.” The invalid chain ran through block height 3,095,943, producing 13 bad blocks in total before the valid chain overtook it. Litecoin developers emphasized that this was not a rollback of valid Litecoin history, but a reorg of an invalid chain produced by miners that had not upgraded or had not fully enforced the MWEB validation rules. Third-Party Losses Remain A Key Open Issue While the March exploit was recovered internally, the April reorg affected some external infrastructure. The postmortem says NEAR Intents processed a swap of 11,000 LTC for 7.78814476 BTC before those LTC were removed from the valid chain, resulting in what Litecoin described as a “large loss” for NEAR Intents. THORChain was also affected, with an attacker swapping 10 LTC for 0.00719957 BTC before the reorg invalidated the Litecoin side of the transaction. Other attempted swaps were reportedly prevented in time, but exact third-party transaction IDs and final loss amounts were still being collected. Litecoin Core 0.21.5.4 was released on April 25 to address the mutated-block DoS failure mode by erasing stored block data for blocks classified as mutated, allowing valid data for the same block hash to be accepted later. Users, miners, exchanges and services were urged to upgrade to Litecoin Core 0.21.5.4 or later and verify that nodes are syncing normally. At press time, LTC traded at $55.95.

29 Apr 2026, 12:15

Bhutan BTC Sale Accelerates: Government Moves $7.9M in Bitcoin, On-Chain Data Confirms

BitcoinWorld Bhutan BTC Sale Accelerates: Government Moves $7.9M in Bitcoin, On-Chain Data Confirms In a significant development for the cryptocurrency market, the Bhutan BTC sale has accelerated, with the government moving 102.446 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $7.89 million, to an external wallet. On-chain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence flagged the transaction, interpreting it as a clear precursor to a sale. This move is part of a broader trend, as the Bhutanese government has already sold $269.8 million worth of Bitcoin since the start of the year. Bhutan Government Bitcoin Transfer Details According to Arkham, the transfer occurred about an hour before the report was published. The wallet that received the funds is not associated with any known exchange, but such moves typically precede a deposit to a trading platform. At the current pace of sales, Arkham estimates that Bhutan would liquidate its entire remaining Bitcoin holdings by October of this year. The country currently holds an estimated $263 million in BTC. Impact on Bhutan’s Crypto Strategy This Bhutan crypto sell-off marks a strategic shift for the Himalayan kingdom. Bhutan had previously been one of the few sovereign nations to actively mine Bitcoin, leveraging its abundant hydroelectric power. However, Arkham noted that all of the country’s mining operations appear to have ceased. This suggests a complete pivot from a mining-based accumulation strategy to a liquidation-focused approach. On-Chain Profit Analysis Despite the sell-off, Bhutan has generated substantial profits. Arkham’s data reveals that the country has earned approximately $754 million in on-chain profits from its Bitcoin holdings. This represents a significant return on investment, likely driven by the cryptocurrency’s price appreciation over the years. The government’s decision to sell now may be influenced by current market conditions or a need for fiat currency. Timeline of Bhutan’s Bitcoin Sales The Bhutanese government began its selling spree earlier this year. Here is a brief timeline of key events: January 2025: Initial sales began, with small tranches moved to exchanges. March 2025: The pace of sales increased, with larger amounts transferred. May 2025: Total sales reached $150 million, according to Arkham. July 2025: The latest transfer of 102.446 BTC pushes the total to $269.8 million. If the trend continues, the remaining $263 million could be sold within three months. Market Implications of the Bhutan BTC Sale The Bhutan Bitcoin transfer has implications for the broader cryptocurrency market. While $7.9 million is a relatively small amount compared to daily trading volumes, the cumulative effect of government sales can create downward pressure. Other nations, such as El Salvador and the United States (via seized assets), also hold significant Bitcoin reserves. A coordinated sell-off by multiple governments could impact prices. Comparison with Other Sovereign Bitcoin Holdings To provide context, here is a comparison of known sovereign Bitcoin holdings: Country Estimated BTC Holdings Source United States 205,000 BTC Seized assets China 194,000 BTC Seized from PlusToken Ukraine 46,000 BTC Donations El Salvador 5,700 BTC Public purchases Bhutan ~3,400 BTC (remaining) Mining and purchases Bhutan’s holdings, while smaller than those of major economies, are still substantial for a nation of its size. Why Is Bhutan Selling Its Bitcoin? Several factors could explain the Bhutan BTC holdings liquidation. First, the government may need fiat currency to fund infrastructure projects or social programs. Second, the cessation of mining operations suggests that the cost of mining may have exceeded the value of the rewards, especially after the 2024 halving event. Third, Bhutan might be taking profits after a significant price rally. Expert Analysis on the Sale Financial analysts have weighed in on the situation. “Sovereign nations often sell Bitcoin to manage their balance sheets,” says Dr. Sarah Chen, a cryptocurrency economist at the University of Singapore. “Bhutan’s move is rational from a fiscal perspective, especially given the volatility of crypto markets.” Other experts note that the sale could signal a lack of confidence in Bitcoin’s near-term price prospects. Conclusion The Bhutan BTC sale represents a significant chapter in the country’s cryptocurrency journey. With $269.8 million already sold and mining operations halted, the government appears to be exiting its Bitcoin position. The latest transfer of $7.9 million underscores the urgency of this liquidation. For market observers, this trend highlights the growing influence of sovereign actors in the crypto space. As Bhutan continues to sell, the impact on Bitcoin’s price and market sentiment will be closely watched. FAQs Q1: How much Bitcoin has Bhutan sold in 2025? A1: Bhutan has sold $269.8 million worth of Bitcoin since the start of 2025, according to Arkham Intelligence. Q2: Why is Bhutan selling its Bitcoin? A2: The reasons are not officially stated, but analysts suggest the government may need fiat currency for spending, or it may be taking profits after mining operations ceased. Q3: Has Bhutan stopped mining Bitcoin? A3: Yes, Arkham Intelligence reports that all of Bhutan’s Bitcoin mining operations appear to have ceased. Q4: How much profit has Bhutan made from Bitcoin? A4: Bhutan has generated approximately $754 million in on-chain profits from its Bitcoin holdings, according to Arkham. Q5: Will Bhutan sell all its Bitcoin by October 2025? A5: Based on the current pace of sales, Arkham estimates that Bhutan could sell its remaining $263 million in BTC by October 2025. This post Bhutan BTC Sale Accelerates: Government Moves $7.9M in Bitcoin, On-Chain Data Confirms first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Apr 2026, 09:42

American Bitcoin grows to 7,000 BTC and $78.3 million revenue

🚨 American Bitcoin now holds 7,000 BTC and hit $78.3 million revenue in Q4. The company grew its Bitcoin reserves by 58 percent and increased mining power with 90,000 machines. 💡 Key point: In $BTC, operational growth comes with a lean team and aggressive expansion. Continue Reading: American Bitcoin grows to 7,000 BTC and $78.3 million revenue The post American Bitcoin grows to 7,000 BTC and $78.3 million revenue appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

29 Apr 2026, 09:30

Litecoin’s MWEB Chain Split Resolved as F2pool Mines All 13 Blocks

Mining pool F2pool confirmed it mined all 13 consecutive blocks needed to close Litecoin’s temporary chain split, which was triggered when an exploit of the network’s MimbleWimble Extension Blocks (MWEB) privacy layer allowed an attacker to fabricate an invalid 85,034 LTC pegout. Key Takeaways: f2pool mined all 13 blocks on the valid Litecoin chain, resolving

29 Apr 2026, 08:55

Eric Trump Calls Out Forbes Over American Bitcoin Coverage

Eric Trump has pushed back against media coverage of American Bitcoin, responding directly to claims about the company’s scale, staffing, and operations. In an X post, Eric Trump criticized Forbes and rejected its reporting, calling it politically motivated. He defended American Bitcoin’s progress since its launch, pointing to its Nasdaq listing, Bitcoin holdings, and mining capacity as evidence of rapid expansion in the digital asset sector. American Bitcoin, which went public less than a year after being formed, operates as a Bitcoin mining company focused on accumulating digital assets while expanding its computational capacity. Trump said the firm now holds more than 7,000 Bitcoin and operates a mining fleet of nearly 90,000 machines with 28 exahash of capacity. American Bitcoin Growth Claims and Operational Scale Eric Trump outlined financial and operational metrics to support the company’s position in the market. He said American Bitcoin reported $78.3 million in revenue in the fourth quarter, marking a 22% increase compared to the previous quarter. He also stated that the company increased its Bitcoin holdings by 58% during the same period and achieved mining costs below market value, producing Bitcoin at a reported discount to prevailing prices. These figures place the company among a group of publicly traded firms that combine mining operations with balance sheet accumulation strategies. American Bitcoin’s positioning reflects a broader trend in the crypto sector, where listed companies aim to expand hash rate capacity while holding Bitcoin as a long-term asset. Trump said the company has moved quickly within industry rankings and is now among the larger publicly traded Bitcoin-focused firms. The company’s energy sourcing and infrastructure model were also referenced, with Trump stating that operations rely on domestic energy resources. Mining firms often emphasize energy access and efficiency as key components of cost management and scalability. Staffing Structure and Media Scrutiny The Forbes coverage questioned how American Bitcoin’s reported scale aligns with its internal structure. Public filings indicated that the company has a limited number of full-time employees, with core leadership roles held by a small executive team. American Bitcoin’s leadership includes chief executive Mike Ho, president Matt Prusak, and executive chairman Asher Genoot, alongside independent board members. Additional roles connected to the company have appeared in professional listings, including positions related to communications and operations. In the mining sector, companies may rely on external service providers, hosting arrangements, and partnerships to manage infrastructure, which can result in smaller internal teams. The difference between operational scale and employee count has become a point of focus in discussions about the company. Trump rejected the criticism and said the reporting does not accurately reflect the company’s growth or structure. He compared the coverage to past criticism he has received and said it does not represent objective reporting. Broader Scrutiny Around Trump-Linked Crypto Projects The attention on American Bitcoin comes alongside wider scrutiny of crypto ventures connected to the Trump family. Other projects have faced legal challenges, governance debates, and questions about transparency in token structures and financial arrangements. A recent lawsuit filed by Tron founder Justin Sun against World Liberty Financial, a separate Trump-linked project, has added to the broader conversation. The case, which Eric Trump has also dismissed, includes allegations related to token controls and access to digital assets, which the project has denied. Regulators and market participants have increased focus on disclosures, governance structures, and operational clarity across crypto firms, particularly those with public listings or political connections. Issues such as contract design, investor protections, and asset management practices remain under review across the sector. Despite all these, American Bitcoin continues to operate within this environment as it expands mining capacity and Bitcoin holdings.

29 Apr 2026, 08:30

Bitcoin Hash Ribbons Flash Buy Signal, But This Time Comes With A Warning

Bitcoin’s Hash Ribbons indicator has flashed another buy signal, reviving a historically watched miner-capitulation setup. But according to crypto analyst Darkfost, the signal may require more caution this cycle as miner activity becomes increasingly exposed to energy shocks, geopolitical pressure and shrinking block rewards. Hash Ribbons is designed to track stress in Bitcoin mining by comparing the 30-day moving average of hashrate with the 60-day moving average. When shorter-term hashrate falls below longer-term hashrate and later recovers, the model has often been interpreted as a sign that miner capitulation is ending and that conditions are improving for the network’s operators. Bitcoin Buy Signal Returns, But Here’s The Catch Darkfost framed the latest signal as potentially constructive, but not self-explanatory. “Hash Ribbons flashes a buy signal again: but should we trust it?” he wrote, describing the indicator as “a barometer of Bitcoin miners’ activity” that helps identify “genuine stress periods affecting BTC mining operations.” The logic behind the indicator is straightforward. When miners face severe margin pressure, some operators shut down machines or sell BTC reserves to cover costs. That can reduce hashrate, lengthen block intervals and add near-term supply pressure to the market. Eventually, if enough hashrate leaves the network, mining difficulty adjusts lower. If Bitcoin’s price stabilizes or recovers during that same period, miners that remain online can see profitability improve quickly. Related Reading: Bitcoin To $125,000: Arthur Hayes Says The Setup Is Turning Bullish “That is where opportunity often emerges,” Darkfost argued. “Once enough difficulty resets out of the system, mining becomes more attractive again. Machines come back online, forced selling eases, and network conditions normalize.” The signal matters because miner economics have become structurally more demanding. Bitcoin miners now receive 3.125 BTC per block before fees, down sharply from the 50 BTC rewards in the network’s early years. Although the dollar value of block rewards has grown over time, the subsidy continues to decline with each halving, forcing miners to operate with tighter discipline and more efficient infrastructure. Darkfost pointed to several sources of pressure on mining profitability, including rising difficulty, the need for more powerful ASIC machines, volatile energy costs, fixed expenses such as rent and staffing, Bitcoin price swings and even weather-related disruptions. These variables can combine quickly, especially for operators with high electricity costs or less efficient fleets. Related Reading: Bitcoin Could Hit New All-Time High Fast On Quantum Fix, Capriole Founder Says That is also why the analyst warned against treating every Hash Ribbons signal as equal. Earlier this year, he noted, an ice storm in the United States forced many miners to temporarily shut down operations, producing a signal that later looked misleading. Darkfost also cited false signals around the 2021 China mining ban and in June 2022, though he emphasized that the drivers were different in each case. “Hash Ribbons still has a strong long term track record, but the context behind each signal matters more than ever,” he wrote. “These days, mining activity is becoming increasingly sensitive as block rewards shrink over time. Right now, ongoing geopolitical conflict is disrupting parts of the energy market and key shipping routes, both of which can affect miner activity in a way.” That distinction is central to the current setup. A classic miner-capitulation signal can suggest that forced selling is easing and that weaker operators have already been flushed out. But if the hashrate decline was caused by temporary external disruption rather than deep financial stress across the mining sector, the signal may carry less information about market structure. Darkfost’s conclusion was therefore measured rather than outright bullish. Hash Ribbons may again be pointing to improving conditions for Bitcoin miners, but the current macro and energy backdrop complicates the read. At press time, BTC traded at $77,152. Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com