Sui Blockchain Launches $10M Security Push After Major DEX Breach

A bug in the Cetus math library let hackers steal $223 million without affecting the Sui network core.

Sui froze $162 million and blocked hacker wallets to stop more damage after the exploit.

The network plans to spend $10 million to improve security and work with developers to prevent future attacks.

A recent investigation by Sui Blockchain revealed a flaw in the math library of Cetus Protocol. This vulnerability enabled a large-scale hack on the decentralized exchange (DEX), resulting in a loss of $223 million. The incident did not stem from the Move programming language or any malware-related threat, according to Sui’s postmortem update.

Targeted Exploit Shakes Sui Ecosystem

The attack directly targeted the Cetus Protocol, the largest DEX on the Sui network. Hackers manipulated a bug in its math library to drain funds from the platform. While the breach caused significant financial loss, it remained isolated to Cetus. Sui confirmed that the core blockchain and the Move smart contract language remained unaffected.

Funds Frozen and Wallets Restricted

In response, the network took immediate steps to contain the damage. Validators identified the wallets used in the exploit. They restricted all transactions from these addresses to prevent further losses. The network successfully blocked $162 million worth of stolen assets during this effort.

Cetus Protocol offered a $6 million bounty. The goal is to recover the remaining $60 million still untraced. Investigations also found that hackers transferred $63 million to Ethereum. They used the network to launder around 20,000 Ether, valued at over $53 million. These cross-chain transactions complicate ongoing recovery operations.

Push for Enhanced Security and Developer Collaboration

Sui announced a $10 million investment to improve platform security. The funds will support audits, expand bug bounty programs, and boost formal code verification. The network aims to collaborate with developers to strengthen defenses and avoid future vulnerabilities.

The exploit reignited concerns about dApp vulnerabilities and smart contract security. Although the Sui platform offers tools for secure development, the incident shows the ongoing risks tied to human error. The event now serves as a reminder for all blockchain platforms to maintain constant security vigilance.

Debates on Decentralization Emerge

Some users questioned whether validator intervention threatens Sui’s decentralization goals. The move to freeze wallets triggered debates around censorship resistance. This discussion comes amid a rise in cyber threats across the crypto space in 2025.

Cetus Protocol, the Sui Foundation, and community members worked together throughout the recovery. Their cooperation focused on tracking stolen funds and returning them to affected users. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration in managing security breaches.