How a TOCTTOU Attack Drained My Solana Wallet After Launching CryptoMan on Pump.fun

When I started creating crypto memes, I had big ambitions. My main project was CryptoMan, a fun and creative way to engage with the crypto community. I launched it on Pump.fun, using Solana to fund the project, and shared it widely online. It was exciting to see people respond positively, but my enthusiasm quickly turned into a nightmare.

Within 15 days, my Solana wallet was drained. The culprit? A sophisticated Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTTOU) attack. The scammers targeted me through microtransactions sent to my wallet, eventually compromising my private keys and draining everything. Here’s how it happened, why Pump.fun played a role, and what you can learn from my experience.

What is CryptoMan?

CryptoMan was my attempt to create a humorous, relatable crypto meme project. The platform, Pump.fun, seemed like a great fit for my project. It allowed users to share memes, trade tokens, and even tip creators. I used Solana to fund CryptoMan’s development, and within days, it started gaining traction.

Excited by the initial buzz, I shared my wallet address across social media platforms, hoping to receive tips or support from my growing audience. Little did I know, this exposure would make me an easy target.

How the TOCTTOU Attack Worked

1. The Bait Transactions:
   After sharing my wallet address, I started receiving small payments—$1, $2, sometimes even less. The transactions were labeled with messages like “Big fan of CryptoMan!” and “Keep it up!” It felt amazing to see people appreciating my work, and I didn’t question these microtransactions.
2. The Time-of-Check Exploit:
   During the processing of these small payments, my wallet verified the transactions as legitimate. However, the attackers exploited this “check” phase to inject malicious code into my wallet.
3. The Time-of-Use Breach:
   The malicious code altered permissions and compromised my wallet during the time gap between validation and execution. This TOCTTOU attack allowed the scammers to gain control of my private keys.
4. The Drain:
   Once my wallet was fully compromised, they waited for my funds to accumulate before draining everything. By the 15th day, my Solana wallet balance was at zero, and there was no way to stop the drain.

Why Pump.fun Was Involved

Pump.fun, while seemingly legitimate, turned out to be an unsecured platform. Its lack of proper safeguards made it easier for scammers to exploit creators like me. The platform did not validate the source or intent of transactions, allowing attackers to send malicious payments under the guise of support.

By associating CryptoMan with Pump.fun and exposing my wallet address publicly, I unintentionally opened the door for attackers.

Lessons Learned

This experience was devastating, but it taught me valuable lessons about crypto security and platform trustworthiness. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Don’t Rely on Unsecured Platforms:
   Platforms like Pump.fun may seem appealing but often lack the security measures needed to protect creators. Stick to reputable, well-established platforms.
2. Switch to a Hardware Wallet:
   Hot wallets are convenient but inherently risky. Use a hardware wallet for significant funds to eliminate the risk of online attacks like TOCTTOU.
3. Be Wary of Microtransactions:
   Random small payments, even with friendly messages, can be red flags. Treat them with caution and avoid interacting with them.
4. Protect Your Wallet Address:
   Sharing your wallet address publicly can make you a target. Use separate wallets for public exposure and personal funds.
5. Audit Wallet Permissions Regularly:
   Check and revoke permissions for unused or suspicious dApps to prevent unauthorized access.

Steps to Take If You’re Targeted

If you suspect your wallet has been compromised by a TOCTTOU or similar attack:

1. Transfer Funds Immediately:
   Move any remaining funds to a secure hardware wallet.
2. Audit Transactions:
   Use Solana Explorer to review your transaction history and identify suspicious activity.
3. Report the Incident:
   Notify Solana support and share the scammer’s wallet address with reporting platforms.
4. Educate Yourself:
   Research similar attacks and learn how to protect yourself in the future.

Final Thoughts

The dream of creating CryptoMan turned into a harsh reality check. While Pump.fun helped me gain traction, it also exposed me to risks I wasn’t prepared for. Losing everything to a TOCTTOU attack was a painful lesson, but it highlighted the importance of security in the crypto space.

If you’re a creator or investor, take your security seriously. Share your experiences, educate yourself, and help others avoid falling victim to these scams. For more insights and safety tips, subscribe to my newsletter at aitiger.app. Together, we can build a safer crypto community.