The Linea network experienced a halt in block production, leading to suspicions of a potential outage and raising concerns about network stability.

Executive Summary

The Linea network, a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, experienced a significant disruption on September 9, 2025, after failing to produce a block for 37 minutes. This incident, detected via Lineascan data, triggered speculation about a potential network outage and its impact on users and the broader ecosystem.

The Event in Detail

On September 9, 2025, the Linea network experienced a cessation in block production. Data from Lineascan indicated a period of 32-37 minutes without a new block. It was noted that the Lineascan website was undergoing maintenance at the time, which might have affected the real-time accuracy of block data. This incident follows a security breach at Velocore, a decentralized exchange (DEX) on Linea, where a hacker exploited the platform and stole $7 million in assets. In response to the Velocore exploit, Linea halted its sequencer to prevent further asset bridging by the attacker.

Market Implications

The halt in block production raises concerns about the stability and security of the Linea network. Such incidents can lead to temporary disruptions for users and erode confidence in the network, potentially impacting its adoption and usage. The incident highlights the importance of robust security measures and rapid response mechanisms in the DeFi space, particularly for Layer 2 networks that rely on centralized sequencers.

Expert Commentary

Ledger's CTO, Charles Guillemet, commented on a separate incident involving an NPM supply chain attack targeting web3 projects, stating that it "fortunately failed,” with “almost no victims.” However, the Linea incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing the DeFi sector, which has seen over $3.1 billion in losses from hacks and exploits in 2024–2025. Experts emphasize the need for rapid response governance, proactive security measures, and decentralized insurance mechanisms to mitigate losses and rebuild trust.

Broader Context

The incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of DeFi security and governance. The DeFi sector has suffered significant losses due to hacks and exploits, including high-profile breaches like the $42 million GMX V1 re-entrancy attack and the $220 million Cetus Protocol exploit. In response, the industry is exploring innovative solutions such as rapid response governance, LLM-driven audits, and hybrid legal-technical frameworks. The Solana network has also faced difficulties due to the rising popularity of meme coins, leading to network delays. These incidents highlight the need for continuous improvement in security, governance, and scalability to ensure the long-term viability of DeFi ecosystems.