Vulnerable Fork

Definition ∞ A vulnerable fork refers to a divergence in a blockchain’s history that contains a known security weakness or exploit. This can occur when a software upgrade introduces a flaw, or a malevolent actor intentionally creates a branch with compromised code. Such a fork presents a risk of asset loss, network instability, or unauthorized operations if not promptly addressed. It represents a division of the chain with inherent security defects.
Context ∞ Vulnerable forks are critical security events in the blockchain space, often leading to urgent patch releases and community alerts. News reports typically detail the nature of the vulnerability, its potential impact, and the steps taken by developers to mitigate risks. The process of identifying, patching, and coordinating a network-wide upgrade to resolve a vulnerable fork highlights the importance of robust security audits and community consensus.