Solana’s Core Chip Exposed: Ledger Reveals Unfixable Security Flaw

Solana’s hardware foundation just got a major crack. Ledger’s security team uncovered a critical vulnerability in the blockchain’s core chip—one that can’t be patched.

What the Flaw Means for the Network

This isn’t a simple software bug. The hole sits at the hardware level, embedded in the silicon that powers Solana’s transaction processing. It bypasses standard security protocols, potentially exposing the network’s most sensitive operations. Think of it as a structural fault in a skyscraper’s foundation—you can’t just slap on a new coat of paint.

The Unpatchable Problem

Engineers are scrambling, but the diagnosis is grim. A hardware-level flaw means no firmware update or node software tweak can fully seal the breach. Mitigation becomes the name of the game—layering workarounds instead of delivering a cure. It forces a fundamental rethink of how the network’s security model interacts with its physical backbone.

Market Mechanics vs. Engineering Reality

Here’s where crypto’s relentless optimism meets cold, hard engineering. The market might price in a ‘quick fix’ narrative, but silicon doesn’t trade on hype. This vulnerability cuts to the core of trust in a high-throughput blockchain, proving once again that in tech, the most bullish story can be undone by a single, unfixable zero.

Solana Seeker Chip Exposed by Boot-Phase Attack, Ledger Finds

The chip powers a range of smartphones, including the crypto-centric Solana Seeker, which markets itself as a mobile gateway for decentralized applications.

Ledger security engineers Charles Christen and Léo Benito said the exploit hinges on electromagnetic fault injection during the chip’s earliest boot phase.

By carefully disrupting that process, the team was able to circumvent memory protections and overwrite security controls inside the system-on-chip.

“The result is total compromise,” the researchers said, adding that once the attack is successful, there is no technical barrier left to prevent access to data stored on the device.

Most importantly for crypto users, the vulnerability cannot be resolved through updates or software patches.

The weakness is embedded in the silicon itself, making it permanent for all devices built on the affected chipset. “Users remain exposed even after disclosure,” the researchers wrote.

The Seeker is just a collection of different bugs

I can't connect my Seeker Vault with most apps, the Seeker Vault loses my private key every other week and it won't recognize my device activities for the SKR airdrop.

While the chance of success in a single attempt is relatively low, estimated between 0.1% and 1%, the attack can be executed repeatedly in quick succession.

Ledger estimates that with enough attempts, compromise can occur in a matter of minutes.

MediaTek told Ledger the issue lies outside the design scope of the Dimensity 7300.

In a statement, the company said the chip was developed for consumer smartphones, not for environments requiring secure enclaves comparable to financial infrastructure or hardware security modules.

“For products handling sensitive cryptographic material, manufacturers should implement specific protections against physical attacks,” MediaTek said.

Ledger disclosed the flaw to MediaTek in early May after beginning tests in February. The chipmaker subsequently notified device vendors believed to be affected.

Solana Mobile to Launch SKR Governance Token in 2026

Solana Mobile plans to launch SKR, a native token tied to its Seeker phone, at the start of 2026, positioning it as the governance token for its mobile ecosystem.

SKR Tokenomics

The total SKR supply is 10 billion SKR.

SKR distribution:
– 30% Airdrops
– 25% Growth + Partnerships
– 10% Liquidity + Launch
– 10% Community Treasury
– 15% Solana Mobile
– 10% Solana Labs pic.twitter.com/pluKRzTDVZ

The token will have a total supply of 10 billion, with 30% earmarked for airdrops and 25% set aside for growth and partnerships.

The remaining allocation includes 10% for liquidity, 10% for a community treasury, 15% for Solana Mobile, and 10% for Solana Labs.

The company says SKR is meant to give Seeker owners “actual ownership in the platform” and will feature linear inflation to reward early stakers.

More details are expected to be revealed at Solana Breakpoint Conference from Dec. 11–13.