Finance Share Share this article Copy linkX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmail Specialized AI detects 92% of real-world DeF Finance Share Share this article Copy linkX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmail Specialized AI detects 92% of real-world DeF

Specialized AI detects 92% of real-world DeFi exploits

2026/02/21 03:06
5 min read
For feedback or concerns regarding this content, please contact us at crypto.news@mexc.com
Share
Share this article
Copy linkX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmail

Specialized AI detects 92% of real-world DeFi exploits

New research claims specialized AI dramatically outperforms general-purpose models at detecting exploited DeFi vulnerabilities.

By Oliver Knight, AI Boost|Edited by Stephen Alpher
Feb 20, 2026, 7:06 p.m.
Make us preferred on Google
AI detects 92% of DeFi exploits (Modified by CoinDesk)

What to know:

  • A purpose-built AI security agent detected vulnerabilities in 92% of 90 exploited DeFi contracts ($96.8 million in exploit value), compared with 34% and $7.5 million for a baseline GPT-5.1-based coding agent running on the same underlying model.
  • The gap came from domain-specific security methodology layered on top of the model, not differences in core AI capability, according to the report.
  • The findings come as prior research from Anthropic and OpenAI shows AI agents can execute end-to-end smart contract exploits at low cost, accelerating concerns that offensive AI capabilities are scaling faster than defensive adoption.

A purpose-built AI security agent detected vulnerabilities in 92% of exploited DeFi smart contracts in a new open-source benchmark.

The study, released Thursday by AI security firm Cecuro, evaluated 90 real-world smart contracts exploited between October 2024 and early 2026, representing $228 million in verified losses. The specialized system flagged vulnerabilities tied to $96.8 million in exploit value, compared with just 34% detection and $7.5 million in coverage from a baseline GPT-5.1-based coding agent.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
Sign me up

Both systems ran on the same frontier model. The difference, according to the report, was the application layer: domain-specific methodology, structured review phases and DeFi-focused security heuristics layered on top of the model.

The findings arrive amid growing concern that AI is accelerating crypto crime. Separate research from Anthropic and OpenAI has shown that AI agents can now execute end-to-end exploits on most known vulnerable smart contracts, with exploit capability reportedly doubling roughly every 1.3 months. The average cost of an AI-powered exploit attempt is about $1.22 per contract, sharply lowering the barrier to large-scale scanning.

Previous CoinDesk coverage outlined how bad actors such as North Korea have begun using AI to scale hacking operations and automate parts of the exploit process, underscoring the widening gap between offensive and defensive capabilities.

Cecuro argues that many teams rely on general-purpose AI tools or one-off audits for security, an approach the benchmark suggests may miss high-value, complex vulnerabilities. Several contracts in the dataset had previously undergone professional audits before being exploited.

The benchmark dataset, evaluation framework and baseline agent have been open-sourced on GitHub. The company said it has not released its full security agent due to concerns that similar tooling could be repurposed for offensive use.

Artificial IntelligenceAIExploitsDeFi
AI Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy.

More For You

Zoomex: Precise Systems of Fairness and Transparency by Design

Read full story

More For You

Dubai takes next step to make real estate flips instant in $16 billion tokenization plan

Dubai Land Department and Ctrl Alt move to the next phase of real estate tokenization project, enabling the resale of property tokens.

What to know:

  • Over $5 million in tokenized Dubai real estate becomes tradable on a controlled secondary market.
  • The XRP Ledger-based tokens are backed by title deeds, with trades synced to Dubai’s land registry and supported by Ripple Custody.
  • The project is part of Dubai’s broader plan to tokenize $16 billion in property by 2033.
Read full story
Latest Crypto News

U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Trump's tariffs may not rock crypto — yet

Dubai takes next step to make real estate flips instant in $16 billion tokenization plan

RWA issuers prioritize capital formation over liquidity, according to Brickken survey

Bitcoin pops then drops as Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs

Goldman Sachs, Franklin Templeton, and Nicki Minaj: Inside Trump’s surreal Mar-a-Lago crypto summit

CoinDesk 20 performance update: AAVE falls 3.3%, leading index lower

Top Stories

Bitcoin logs worst first 50-day start to a year on record

What next for XRP as volatility sinks to 2024 lows

Ripple's Brad Garlinghouse says CLARITY bill has '90% chance' of passing by April

Dual South Korean listings send Ethereum layer-2 token AZTEC surging 82%

Inside the meeting: White House favors some stablecoin rewards, tells banks it's time to move

Bitcoin difficulty jumps 15% largest increase since 2021, despite price slump

Market Opportunity
DeFi Logo
DeFi Price(DEFI)
$0,0001441
$0,0001441$0,0001441
-0,41%
USD
DeFi (DEFI) Live Price Chart

Get Covered, Share 1M USDT

Get Covered, Share 1M USDTGet Covered, Share 1M USDT

Higher VVIP tiers, higher compensation odds.

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact crypto.news@mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Not a loophole: Singapore AI export controls let China tap US AI legally

Not a loophole: Singapore AI export controls let China tap US AI legally

American AI technology is reaching Chinese tech giants through a route that US export controls were never designed to close: Singapore. The city-state sits outside
Share
The Cryptonomist2026/07/10 14:46
Unlocking Massive Value: Curve Finance Revenue Sharing Proposal for CRV Holders

Unlocking Massive Value: Curve Finance Revenue Sharing Proposal for CRV Holders

BitcoinWorld Unlocking Massive Value: Curve Finance Revenue Sharing Proposal for CRV Holders The dynamic world of decentralized finance (DeFi) is constantly evolving, bringing forth new opportunities and innovations. A significant development is currently unfolding at Curve Finance, a leading decentralized exchange (DEX). Its founder, Michael Egorov, has put forth an exciting proposal designed to offer a more direct path for token holders to earn revenue. This initiative, centered around a new Curve Finance revenue sharing model, aims to bolster the value for those actively participating in the protocol’s governance. What is the “Yield Basis” Proposal and How Does it Work? At the core of this forward-thinking initiative is a new protocol dubbed Yield Basis. Michael Egorov introduced this concept on the CurveDAO governance forum, outlining a mechanism to distribute sustainable profits directly to CRV holders. Specifically, it targets those who stake their CRV tokens to gain veCRV, which are essential for governance participation within the Curve ecosystem. Let’s break down the initial steps of this innovative proposal: crvUSD Issuance: Before the Yield Basis protocol goes live, $60 million in crvUSD will be issued. Strategic Fund Allocation: The funds generated from the sale of these crvUSD tokens will be strategically deployed into three distinct Bitcoin-based liquidity pools: WBTC, cbBTC, and tBTC. Pool Capping: To ensure balanced risk and diversified exposure, each of these pools will be capped at $10 million. This carefully designed structure aims to establish a robust and consistent income stream, forming the bedrock of a sustainable Curve Finance revenue sharing mechanism. Why is This Curve Finance Revenue Sharing Significant for CRV Holders? This proposal marks a pivotal moment for CRV holders, particularly those dedicated to the long-term health and governance of Curve Finance. Historically, generating revenue for token holders in the DeFi space can often be complex. The Yield Basis proposal simplifies this by offering a more direct and transparent pathway to earnings. By staking CRV for veCRV, holders are not merely engaging in governance; they are now directly positioned to benefit from the protocol’s overall success. The significance of this development is multifaceted: Direct Profit Distribution: veCRV holders are set to receive a substantial share of the profits generated by the Yield Basis protocol. Incentivized Governance: This direct financial incentive encourages more users to stake their CRV, which in turn strengthens the protocol’s decentralized governance structure. Enhanced Value Proposition: The promise of sustainable revenue sharing could significantly boost the inherent value of holding and staking CRV tokens. Ultimately, this move underscores Curve Finance’s dedication to rewarding its committed community and ensuring the long-term vitality of its ecosystem through effective Curve Finance revenue sharing. Understanding the Mechanics: Profit Distribution and Ecosystem Support The distribution model for Yield Basis has been thoughtfully crafted to strike a balance between rewarding veCRV holders and supporting the wider Curve ecosystem. Under the terms of the proposal, a substantial portion of the value generated by Yield Basis will flow back to those who contribute to the protocol’s governance. Returns for veCRV Holders: A significant share, specifically between 35% and 65% of the value generated by Yield Basis, will be distributed to veCRV holders. This flexible range allows for dynamic adjustments based on market conditions and the protocol’s performance. Ecosystem Reserve: Crucially, 25% of the Yield Basis tokens will be reserved exclusively for the Curve ecosystem. This allocation can be utilized for various strategic purposes, such as funding ongoing development, issuing grants, or further incentivizing liquidity providers. This ensures the continuous growth and innovation of the platform. The proposal is currently undergoing a democratic vote on the CurveDAO governance forum, giving the community a direct voice in shaping the future of Curve Finance revenue sharing. The voting period is scheduled to conclude on September 24th. What’s Next for Curve Finance and CRV Holders? The proposed Yield Basis protocol represents a pioneering approach to sustainable revenue generation and community incentivization within the DeFi landscape. If approved by the community, this Curve Finance revenue sharing model has the potential to establish a new benchmark for how decentralized exchanges reward their most dedicated participants. It aims to foster a more robust and engaged community by directly linking governance participation with tangible financial benefits. This strategic move by Michael Egorov and the Curve Finance team highlights a strong commitment to innovation and strengthening the decentralized nature of the protocol. For CRV holders, a thorough understanding of this proposal is crucial for making informed decisions regarding their staking strategies and overall engagement with one of DeFi’s foundational platforms. FAQs about Curve Finance Revenue Sharing Q1: What is the main goal of the Yield Basis proposal? A1: The primary goal is to establish a more direct and sustainable way for CRV token holders who stake their tokens (receiving veCRV) to earn revenue from the Curve Finance protocol. Q2: How will funds be generated for the Yield Basis protocol? A2: Initially, $60 million in crvUSD will be issued and sold. The funds from this sale will then be allocated to three Bitcoin-based pools (WBTC, cbBTC, and tBTC), with each pool capped at $10 million, to generate profits. Q3: Who benefits from the Yield Basis revenue sharing? A3: The proposal states that between 35% and 65% of the value generated by Yield Basis will be returned to veCRV holders, who are CRV stakers participating in governance. Q4: What is the purpose of the 25% reserve for the Curve ecosystem? A4: This 25% reserve of Yield Basis tokens is intended to support the broader Curve ecosystem, potentially funding development, grants, or other initiatives that contribute to the platform’s growth and sustainability. Q5: When is the vote on the Yield Basis proposal? A5: A vote on the proposal is currently underway on the CurveDAO governance forum and is scheduled to run until September 24th. If you found this article insightful and valuable, please consider sharing it with your friends, colleagues, and followers on social media! Your support helps us continue to deliver important DeFi insights and analysis to a wider audience. To learn more about the latest DeFi market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping decentralized finance institutional adoption. This post Unlocking Massive Value: Curve Finance Revenue Sharing Proposal for CRV Holders first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Share
Coinstats2025/09/18 00:35
Q2 Market Insights: Bitcoin regains dominance in risk-averse environment, ETFs remain critical to market structure

Q2 Market Insights: Bitcoin regains dominance in risk-averse environment, ETFs remain critical to market structure

The market will show a downward trend in the short term, and then rebound and set new highs in the second half of the year.
Share
PANews2025/04/28 19:40

Record Ads, Stock Down 7%

Record Ads, Stock Down 7%Record Ads, Stock Down 7%

Jul 29: Meta earnings face the market's question.