Cetus Protocol Halts Smart Contracts Amid $223 Million Security Breach

A significant security breach at the decentralized exchange Cetus Protocol has resulted in a $223 million loss, prompting immediate actions to ensure stability and recover assets. The incident, which occurred on May 22, 2025, led to the suspension of smart contracts as investigations into the cause of the breach continue. Financial recovery efforts for affected users are underway. Cetus Protocol has collaborated with key industry leaders and Sui Network developers to address vulnerabilities and mitigate further damage. The breach had a substantial impact on the crypto market and investor confidence, leading to significant price drops in CETUS tokens. Collaborative efforts are focused on securing remaining funds, proposing structural changes, and ensuring the safety of user assets. An on-chain vote for protocol upgrades is being considered as part of the response strategy. This event highlights ongoing challenges in DeFi security and emphasizes the importance of robust protocols and swift response mechanisms to minimize damage. The incident also raises questions about cross-chain vulnerabilities, prompting potential regulatory scrutiny of smart contract design and robustness.