The XRP Ledger faces a major security shock with the discovery of a serious vulnerability in the xrpl.js code library – a core tool used to connect to the XRP network. The incident has not only shaken the developer community but also reignited concerns about supply chain attack risks – one of the most sophisticated forms of intrusion currently in the blockchain field.
"Backdoor" discovered – risk of stealing wallet keys
The incident was brought to light by Charlie Eriksen, a malware research expert at Aikido Security. According to him, a hidden malicious code (backdoor) had been implanted in the latest versions of the xrpl.js library – an important JavaScript library that helps thousands of applications and wallets communicate with the network $XRP .
The vulnerability allows attackers to:
Infiltrating the supply chain, thereby controlling the source code distributed to applications using xrpl.js.
Compromising the user's private key – a critical factor in securing cryptocurrency wallets.
Accessing and withdrawing assets from users' wallets without detection.
According to statistics, xrpl.js has over 140,000 downloads each week – indicating that the potential scale of impact is very large if users do not timely update and address the issue.
Who is affected? Who has been fortunate to escape?
Not all users are affected. The vulnerability only appears in infected versions, specifically:
xrpl.js v4.2.1 – v4.2.4
xrpl.js v2.14.2
Users who updated from NPM (Node Package Manager) during the period when the malware was implanted are the primary targets of this risk.
However, some major platforms like Xaman Wallet, First Ledger, Gen3 Games, and XRPScan have confirmed they are unaffected, thanks to not using infected versions.
Immediate solution: Update or transfer wallet
Immediately after the discovery, the XRP Ledger Foundation took urgent action:
Release of a safe patch: xrpl.js v4.2.5
Removing infiltrated versions from the NPM repository
Strongly recommend users to update or discontinue the use of their current private keys if they have installed the malicious version
Advice for users:
✅ If using infected versions, do not continue using the current wallet
✅ Move assets to a new wallet with better security while discontinuing the use of the old private key
✅ Update the library to version v4.2.5 as soon as possible if you are a developer using xrpl.js
Security incident – but the price of XRP still... increases?
An interesting paradox is that despite the security risks, the price of XRP has still surged by 8% in the past 24 hours. The cause is believed to be:
Optimism from the global crypto market, following President Donald Trump's victory – who has a pro-digital asset stance.
XRP has increased by over 300% since the beginning of the year, prompting asset managers to actively push for the approval of XRP ETFs from the SEC.
Coinbase has also just listed futures contracts #xrp on its derivatives platform, opening up a new playing field for professional investors.
Community perspective from blockchain: The issue is not just technical
This incident raises a warning bell for the entire blockchain industry, stating that:
Software supply chains – even if open-source – can also become an "Achilles' heel" if not closely monitored.
Security is not only an end-user issue but also the responsibility of developers, code libraries, and major blockchain platforms.
In a decentralized world, trust must be built on a foundation of transparency and continuous cross-verification.
Although the incident does not directly affect the core infrastructure of the XRP Ledger, the crack in the security layer of the ecosystem may make investors and developers more vigilant in the future.
Contacting Binance users and crypto investors
For users storing XRP on Binance or other major trading platforms, there are currently no signs of direct impact, as these exchanges use their own security mechanisms and do not rely on the xrpl.js library.
However, if you are a developer building applications that connect to the XRP Ledger, or are using a personal wallet integrated with xrpl.js, please check the version immediately.
Risk warning
Investing in cryptocurrencies always carries risks, especially in cases of technical incidents or supply chain attacks as mentioned above. Users need to be cautious when using open-source tools and always stay updated with the latest information from reputable platforms. Thoroughly checking libraries, wallet keys, and development environments is crucial in securing digital assets.