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Collateral Exploit

Definition

A collateral exploit involves manipulating a system to improperly access or devalue assets held as security. In decentralized finance, this refers to a security breach where an attacker manipulates the valuation or availability of collateralized digital assets within a lending protocol or similar mechanism. This manipulation often leverages vulnerabilities in oracle price feeds, smart contract logic, or liquidation processes. Such an attack permits the perpetrator to withdraw more value than their deposited collateral, or to liquidate positions unfairly. The objective is typically to gain unauthorized financial benefit by disrupting the integrity of the collateral system.