New React Bug Can Drain Your Wallet in Seconds – Act Now

A React bug wallet drain attack is hitting thousands of websites right now. If you hold crypto, this concerns you directly.

The vulnerability, officially called CVE-2025-55182 and nicknamed React2Shell, lets hackers remotely execute code on servers without needing any passwords. React disclosed this on December 3rd with the worst possible rating: maximum severity.

Google’s Threat Intelligence Group watched attackers start exploiting it within days. Both profit-driven criminals and suspected government hackers are going after unpatched sites across cloud platforms.

What This React Bug Actually Does

React Server Components run parts of websites directly on servers instead of in your browser. The React bug wallet drain problem happens because of how React decodes requests to these server-side functions.

Hackers send a specially crafted web request that tricks the server into running whatever commands they want. Basically, they take control of the entire system.

The vulnerable versions are React 19.0 through 19.2.0, including packages used by Next.js and other popular frameworks. Just having these installed is often enough for exploitation.

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How Hackers Are Targeting Crypto Sites

Multiple active campaigns documented by Google’s team show attackers deploying malware, backdoors, and crypto-mining software through this flaw.

Some started within days of the disclosure, installing Monero mining software on compromised servers. These mines quietly drain electricity and system resources while generating profits for criminals.

But crypto platforms face an even worse threat. Most rely heavily on React and Next.js for handling wallet interactions, transaction signing, and permit approvals through front-end code.

When a website gets compromised through the React bug wallet drain exploit, attackers inject malicious scripts. These scripts intercept your wallet interactions or redirect transactions to their own addresses.

The blockchain itself stays secure. But if the website sitting between you and the blockchain is infected, you’re signing transactions that send funds straight to thieves.

Why Front-End Vulnerabilities Hit Different

Browser wallet users face particular danger here. You visit a trusted crypto platform, connect your wallet, and approve what looks like a normal transaction. Behind the scenes, the compromised website changed the recipient address.

Security Alliance, a nonprofit cybersecurity group, called this out explicitly. They’re watching wallet-draining software spread onto legitimate crypto sites through this exact vulnerability.

“All websites should review front-end code for any suspicious assets NOW,” they warned publicly.

The scary part? These attacks don’t require phishing emails or social engineering. You’re doing everything right by visiting the official website. The website itself became the weapon.

Also Read: Best Crypto Wallets 2026: Secure Storage for Bitcoin & Altcoins

What Website Owners Must Do Immediately

Patched versions are available now. React released fixes in versions 19.0.1, 19.1.2, and 19.2.1. If you run a site using React Server Components, updating isn’t optional anymore.

Next.js users need to grab the latest versions for their specific branches. React’s team published detailed upgrade guides for different frameworks, including Vite, Redwood, and Waku.

Vercel, a major hosting platform, deployed automatic protections through its Web Application Firewall. But even they stressed that’s just a temporary band-aid. Sites must upgrade to the patched versions.

Security Alliance recommends developers scan their hosts specifically for CVE-2025-55182. Check whether your code is loading assets from sources you don’t recognize.

How Regular Users Can Protect Themselves

For crypto holders using these platforms, extra vigilance is critical right now.

Watch for unexpected browser warnings on sites you normally trust. That’s your first red flag. Verify every single transaction detail before approving anything. Make absolutely sure the recipient address matches what you intended to send.

Be suspicious of any permission requests, even on platforms you’ve used for years. If something feels off, it probably is.

Hardware wallets provide better protection than browser wallets, but they’re not foolproof against this attack. If you approve a malicious transaction through a compromised website, even a hardware wallet will process it. Always verify transaction details on the device screen itself.

Consider moving assets to cold storage until major platforms confirm they’ve patched. Yes, it’s inconvenient. But it’s better than waking up to an empty wallet.

Also Read: Best EVM Wallets In 2025 – Top Secure Picks For Web3 Users

Additional Vulnerabilities Found

While investigating the React bug wallet drain issue, researchers discovered two more problems.

CVE-2025-55183 is a medium-severity vulnerability that leaks source code. CVE-2025-55184 is a high-severity vulnerability and allows denial of service attacks.

These are separate from the wallet-draining React bug but show how one security hole often reveals others. The entire ecosystem needs scrutiny right now.

White hat hacker Lachlan Davidson deserves credit for responsibly reporting React2Shell through Meta’s Bug Bounty program. Without that responsible disclosure, criminals would have had even more time to weaponize this at scale.

The Reality of Crypto Security

This isn’t the first time JavaScript framework vulnerabilities have hit crypto platforms hard. It won’t be the last either.

Decentralized finance means nobody’s coming to save you if funds disappear. There’s no customer service line to call, no bank to reverse charges, no insurance policy to file claims against.

Blockchain immutability is great for preventing fraud. It’s terrible when fraud already happened. Once tokens leave your wallet through a confirmed transaction, they’re gone forever.

The convenience of browser-based crypto platforms comes with real tradeoffs. You’re trusting the website code to handle your transactions correctly. When that code gets compromised, so do you.

Personal responsibility for security has never mattered more. Stay updated, verify everything, and when in doubt, don’t sign.

Also Read: Crypto Safety 101: Your Beginner’s Security Checklist

Does this React bug affect all React websites? 

No. Only sites using React Server Components in versions 19.0 through 19.2.0 are vulnerable. Regular React applications without server components aren’t at risk from this specific exploit.

How can I tell if a crypto site I use got compromised? 

Watch for browser security warnings on familiar sites, unexpected permission requests, or transaction details that don’t match what you intended. If anything seems off, stop and verify before signing.

Will my hardware wallet protect me from this? 

Hardware wallets are safer than browser wallets, but they’ll still process malicious transactions if you approve them. Always verify every detail on the hardware wallet’s own screen before confirming.

What should I do if I already signed something suspicious?

Move any remaining funds to a new wallet immediately. Contact the platform if possible, though recovery options are extremely limited once blockchain transactions confirm.

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Disclaimer:

Look, we’re just journalists reporting the news here, not your financial advisors. Everything you read above is for information purposes only. Crypto is wild, unpredictable, and can absolutely wreck your savings if you’re not careful. Never invest money you can’t afford to lose. Seriously, we mean it. Do your own research, talk to actual licensed financial professionals, and remember that past performance means absolutely nothing when it comes to future results. The crypto market can turn on a dime, and what’s hot today might be toast tomorrow. We’re not responsible for your investment decisions, good or bad. Trade smart, stay safe, and don’t bet the farm on anything you read on the internet, including this article.