MEV Attacks

Definition ∞ MEV attacks are malicious strategies employed by block producers or arbitrageurs to extract extractable value from users by manipulating the order of transactions within a block. Common forms include front-running, back-running, and sandwich attacks, where an attacker exploits predictable transaction sequences for personal gain. These actions can negatively impact user experience and market fairness.
Context ∞ MEV attacks are a significant concern in decentralized finance, leading to discussions about transaction ordering fairness and network security. News often covers new types of attacks and proposed protocol changes, such as proposer-builder separation, designed to mitigate these exploitative practices.