Flow Blockchain Announces Protocol Fix to Restore Network After Exploit

TLDR:

• Flow Blockchain restores network to pre-exploit checkpoint to remove unauthorized transactions.
• Users must resubmit transactions submitted during Dec 26–27 exploit window after restart.
• Mainnet 28 fix deployed; validators and partners synchronize to ensure accurate balances.
• Network live status pending final partner synchronization to resume full transaction operations.

Flow Blockchain has released a protocol fix following a security exploit that affected its mainnet. The Flow Foundation confirmed that the network will be restored to a checkpoint prior to the incident to remove unauthorized transactions. 

Users who submitted transactions between 11:25 PM PST on December 26 and the network halt at 5:30 AM PST on December 27 must resubmit them after the restart. User balances and assets before the exploit remain secure, ensuring the network’s integrity.

Protocol Fix Deployment and Network Restart

The Flow Foundation stated that the protocol fix, identified as Mainnet 28, has been successfully deployed by validators. 

Node operators are coordinating to implement the upgrade, with the target restart scheduled within one hour of the announcement. 

During this period, the network is online but remains in read-only mode, preventing new transactions until synchronization is complete.

The protocol fix addresses the exploit by reverting the ledger to a pre-exploit checkpoint. This step removes any unauthorized activity recorded during the exploit window while protecting legitimate user funds. 

The Foundation acknowledged that transactions submitted during the downtime will need to be reprocessed once normal operations resume.

In a tweet, Flow Blockchain clarified: “Node operators are now coordinating to deploy the upgrade. The network will be restored to a checkpoint prior to the exploit. This is necessary to remove unauthorized transactions from the ledger.” The Foundation emphasized that restoring the network this way ensures full operational integrity.

Validator Consensus and Ecosystem Coordination

Validators reached consensus on the Mainnet 28 fix, and the network is currently producing blocks. However, transaction ingestion remains paused as Flow enters a mandatory synchronization phase with ecosystem partners. 

Bridges, centralized exchanges, and decentralized platforms are syncing with the restored ledger state to maintain balance accuracy.

The Foundation highlighted the importance of this coordination window. Partner systems must align with the checkpointed state before full operations resume. 

This ensures that transactions are processed correctly and users experience no discrepancies once ingestion restarts.

Flow Blockchain further updated users, stating: “The network is online and producing blocks, but general transaction ingestion remains PAUSED. Before resuming full operations, we are in a mandatory synchronization window with our critical ecosystem partners.” This step confirms the Foundation’s focus on restoring stability and protecting assets.

After synchronization completes, the Flow Foundation will issue a final confirmation indicating the network is fully live. 

Users are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates and resubmit any pending transactions once normal operations resume.