Token Minting Attack

Definition ∞ A token minting attack is a security exploit where an attacker illicitly creates or generates new tokens beyond the legitimate supply defined by a smart contract. This unauthorized issuance typically occurs by exploiting vulnerabilities in the contract’s minting function, access controls, or token supply management logic. The consequence is an inflationary event that devalues existing tokens and can severely disrupt the token’s economic model. Such attacks undermine the fundamental integrity of a digital asset.
Context ∞ Token minting attacks are a critical threat to the economic stability and integrity of digital assets, leading to significant financial losses for holders. The ongoing discussion emphasizes the paramount importance of rigorous auditing of smart contract minting functions and strict access control mechanisms. Future security efforts focus on formal verification of token contract logic and multi-signature requirements for any token issuance processes. News frequently reports on these exploits, which can cause immediate and severe price depreciation for affected tokens.