Definition ∞ A Market Exploit is an event where a vulnerability in a financial market, protocol, or smart contract is maliciously used. The objective is to gain unfair advantage or illicit profits, often resulting in significant financial losses for other participants. This represents a serious security breach.
Context ∞ Market exploits frequently appear in crypto news, underscoring the critical need for robust security audits and rapid response mechanisms within decentralized finance protocols. These events highlight the ongoing challenge to protect user funds and maintain market stability. Vigilance and preventative measures are paramount.