MetaMask Pauses Lido Validator Operations Over Internal Security Threat
The affected validators are expected to complete exits by Oct. 7, while returning the ETH to staking may take about 45 days.
MetaMask has paused operations for affected Lido validators after detecting an internal security threat, a move that temporarily removes some ETH from staking while the company investigates the incident.
MetaMask said Wednesday that the threat affects part of its infrastructure and that it has begun precautionary exits from validators supporting its noncustodial staking service. The company said it has not identified an immediate threat to wallet users and is working with external partners and security advisers to examine the issue.
Lido confirmed that MetaMask Staking began exiting Ethereum validators Wednesday. The final affected validators are expected to complete the exit process by Oct. 7.
The ETH will not immediately return to Lido staking. Validators must first complete the exit and withdrawal process before the funds can be deposited again, and an extended entry queue means the full cycle may take about 45 days.
The exiting validators will temporarily stop earning staking rewards and may incur downtime penalties if they do not perform validation duties normally. MetaMask has not disclosed the nature of the threat, the number of affected validators or the amount of any penalties.
