Nobitex’s Source Code Released a Day After Hackers Steal Tokens Across Bitcoin, EVM, Ripple Networks

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the pro-Israel hacker collective Gonjeshke Darande (Predatory Sparrow in Farsi) released the complete source code of Iranian cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex. This action followed a $100 million exploit across multiple blockchains, executed just one day prior. The release poses a significant threat to Nobitex users who haven’t yet withdrawn their assets, as the exposed code simplifies access and exploitation for malicious actors.

The conflict began with Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday, citing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran retaliated with ballistic missile launches across Israel, forcing widespread evacuations.

Gonjeshke Darande, in an X post, announced the source code release, stating that assets remaining on Nobitex were now publicly accessible. The leaked data included blockchain scripts, internal privacy settings, and server lists, effectively compromising the exchange’s security infrastructure. This followed earlier threats by the group, who claimed responsibility for the initial hack and promised data disclosure.

The hackers accused Nobitex of facilitating sanctions evasion for the Iranian regime, labeling it the “regime’s favorite sanctions violation tool.” The $100 million exploit involved the transfer of various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) tokens, Ripple, Dogecoin, and Solana, to burner addresses, making recovery highly improbable. Transaction data revealed provocatively named wallets, suggesting the use of randomly generated addresses without corresponding private keys.

Nobitex responded by claiming no further losses occurred after the source code leak and announced plans to restore services within five days. However, ongoing internet disruptions in Iran may hinder recovery efforts. The incident highlights the increasing role of cyber warfare in international conflicts and the vulnerabilities of cryptocurrency exchanges in the face of sophisticated attacks. The exposure of Nobitex’s source code underscores the risks associated with holding assets on exchanges, especially during periods of geopolitical instability.