Minting Exploit

Definition ∞ A minting exploit is a security vulnerability or flaw in a smart contract or protocol that allows unauthorized or excessive creation of new digital assets. This malicious act can lead to hyperinflation of the asset, significant value depreciation, and a loss of trust in the underlying system. Such exploits compromise the integrity and economic stability of a decentralized application. They represent a severe threat to digital asset ecosystems.
Context ∞ News frequently reports on minting exploits within the DeFi and NFT sectors, detailing how attackers manipulate contract logic to generate tokens beyond their intended supply. Understanding this term is essential for comprehending reports on severe asset devaluations. This underscores security risks in the digital asset space.