Maximum risk in Chrome browser apps: Full analysis of the private key collection event in Trust Wallet version 2.68

Critical Security Update Discovered in a Short Time

Trust Wallet announced a security incident in the second half of December and rolled out version 2.69 on the Chrome Web Store. Researchers and security experts identified that the problematic version 2.68 was collecting users’ private information in a short period. The incident is estimated to have caused damages ranging from 6 to 7 million dollars, which was considered significant for browser application security.

Chrome Web Store records show that version 2.69 was updated on December 25, 2025. Before this date, over 1 million users had been using the compromised version of the wallet. This number is a minimal estimate; the actual impact depends on users who entered seed phrases or private keys, based on detection.

Technical Evidence: Malicious Logic Identified in JavaScript File

Security researchers conducted an in-depth analysis of version 2.68 and found suspicious code in a JavaScript file named “4482.js.” This logic could have sent sensitive wallet data to an external server. It could have been used as an entry point for additional malicious applications.

A seed phrase is essential for wallet recovery. If this information is transferred to an external party, all current and future addresses of the user are at risk. While researchers and investigators are still gathering full technical details, they warn that the extent of damage may change over time.

Practical Guidance for Users

Pre-Update Check Tree:

If you entered a seed phrase or private key while version 2.68 was installed, you should perform the following steps immediately:

1. Check and revoke all token permissions. This is a quick step in browser applications but very important.

2. Recreate all accounts where the seed phrase was used with a new seed. Transfer remaining assets from addresses derived from the old seed to new addresses.

3. Update the browser extension to version 2.69. This can be done either automatically via the Chrome Web Store or manually through an update.

If no seed phrase was entered, updating to 2.69 is sufficient, and no additional steps are necessary. However, for enhanced security, it is recommended to review authorized applications.

Extended Goals of the Browser Extensions Ecosystem

Modern applications are located at the correct point of web services and user transactions. Detecting malicious code on platforms like the Chrome Web Store and similar is challenging. Security research indicates that malicious applications can bypass static checks, and their safety may decrease over time.

The privacy feature of wallet applications is that they are directly entered during the user’s signing process. A compromised browser extension is designed to capture this data. The infrastructure validation and identification in browser applications are highly effective, but if security incidents occur, the damage can be significant.

TWT Market Reaction and Compensation Process

Trust Wallet Token (TWT) price showed a cautious upward trend on the day of the incident. According to the latest data, TWT displayed the following indicators:

• Current Price: $0.95
• 24-hour Change: +0.78%
• Daily High: $0.97
• Daily Low: $0.88

Trust Wallet announced in an official statement that it has acknowledged approximately $7 million in damages and will fully compensate affected users. The compensation process is ongoing, and the company will soon provide more detailed instructions on the next steps.

It is important to note that scammers may send fake messages impersonating Trust Wallet during the correction and compensation process. Users should be cautious of messages not coming from official channels and avoid sharing seed phrases or private keys.

Minimizing Future Risks

This incident highlights the need to strengthen build integrity and version control in wallet extensions. Distributing browser applications increasingly requires closed or semi-closed source code, split-key signing, and frequent hotfix releases.

Be cautious of potentially compromised or fake “fix” domains in the future. Similar traps may attempt to force users to share seed phrases and private keys under the guise of solving problems.

It is not only necessary but essential for wallet infrastructure and major browser platforms like Chrome to enhance security and trustworthiness standards further.