Bitcoin Dev Steps Down from Lightning Network Role Over New Attack Vector Threatening Security
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Bitcoin core developer Antoine Riard is stepping down from Lightning Network development due to new "replacement cycling attacks" that threaten the network.
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These attacks allow funds to be stolen from payment channels by exploiting inconsistencies between mempools.
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Fixing the issue may require changes to the underlying Bitcoin protocol that alter full node requirements or Bitcoin's security architecture.
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Riard believes this presents a "hard dilemma" for the Bitcoin community in balancing security with other priorities.
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Riard plans to focus on Bitcoin core development but warns of upcoming challenges in explaining attacks and designing solutions for the broader ecosystem.